Translation guide
The English word "interest" covers several distinct meanings: curiosity or attention, a hobby or pastime, financial interest on savings or loans, and a stake or benefit in something. Each meaning maps to different Japanese expressions, so it's important to choose the right one based on context.
Expressing that someone is interested in a topic, wants to learn about it, or finds it engaging.
The most common and direct translation for "interest" as curiosity or attention. Often used with ある (to have interest) or 持つ (to take an interest).
私は日本の歴史に興味があります。
I have an interest in Japanese history.
彼は科学に興味を持っている。
He has an interest in science.
Similar to 興味 but often implies a deeper, more serious concern or awareness, especially about social issues or current events. Can be used in formal contexts.
環境問題への関心が高まっている。
Interest in environmental issues is growing.
A casual, everyday phrase meaning something is on your mind or you're curious about it. Often used for personal, light curiosity.
あの新しい店、気になるね。
I'm curious about that new shop.
Literally "to think it's interesting." Used when you find something intellectually stimulating or entertaining, but less direct than 興味がある.
この本、面白いと思うよ。
I think you'll find this book interesting.
Talking about personal interests, things someone enjoys doing in their free time.
The standard word for "hobby" or "personal interest." Used when listing activities you enjoy, like sports, arts, or collecting.
私の趣味は写真を撮ることです。
My interest is photography.
趣味は何ですか？
What are your interests?
A more casual way to say "things I like" or "interests." Often used in conversation instead of the more formal 趣味.
休みの日は好きなことをして過ごしています。
On my days off, I spend time on my interests.
Referring to the money paid by a bank on savings, or charged on a loan.
General term for interest earned on deposits or paid on loans. Commonly used in banking contexts.
この口座の利子はとても低いです。
The interest on this account is very low.
Often used interchangeably with 利子, but can sound slightly more formal or legal. Also used in the phrase 利息がつく (to accrue interest).
Refers specifically to the interest rate (percentage). Often used in economic news and discussions.
Expressing that someone has a personal stake, advantage, or involvement in a matter.
Refers to interests in the sense of advantages and disadvantages, or vested interests. Often used in business or political contexts.
彼らは共通の利害を持っている。
They have common interests.
Used to say something is in someone's interest or for their benefit. More natural than a direct translation of "interest."
それは君のためにならない。
That's not in your interest.
Means involvement or participation, often used when someone has an interest (stake) in a project or decision.
While 興味 can mean "interest," it refers to curiosity, not a hobby. Saying 「私の興味は写真です」 sounds unnatural. Use 趣味 for hobbies.
興味 is more about personal curiosity or fascination, while 関心 often implies a broader concern or awareness, especially about social issues. 興味 is more common in daily conversation.
利子 and 利息 both mean the amount of interest, but 金利 refers to the rate. In casual talk, 利子 is most common. 利息 can appear in formal documents.
政治には興味がありません。
I have no interest in politics.
彼女は料理やハイキングなど、たくさんの趣味があります。
She has many interests, like cooking and hiking.
その銀行は1%の利子を払います。
The bank pays 1% interest.
The interest on the debt is high.
Interest rates went up.
He has an interest in the project.