Translation guide
The English word 'interests' can refer to hobbies, things you are curious about, financial stakes, or benefits. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Talking about things you enjoy doing in your free time, like sports, music, or reading.
The most common word for hobbies or personal interests. Often used in self-introductions.
My hobby is reading.
What are your hobbies?
Refers to things you are interested in or curious about, not necessarily active hobbies. Often used with がある.
Literally 'things I like', a casual way to talk about interests.
What I like is watching movies.
Referring to topics or fields that capture your attention, such as academic subjects or social issues.
Referring to a share, right, or involvement in a business, property, or legal matter.
Refers to interests in the sense of advantages and disadvantages, often used in business or legal contexts.
Used in phrases like 'in the interests of' or 'for someone's interests', meaning for the good of someone.
A general pattern meaning 'for the sake of'. Combine with words like 利益 (benefit) or 安全 (safety).
趣味 (shumi) is for hobbies you actively do. 興味 (kyōmi) is for things you find interesting but may not do. For example, you can have 興味 in space exploration without it being a 趣味.
In many contexts, English 'interests' is better expressed with a phrase like 〜に興味がある or 〜が好き, not a single noun.
I'm interested in Japanese culture.
Used for matters you care about or pay attention to, often with a serious or intellectual nuance.
I'm interested in environmental issues.
Can also be used for intellectual curiosity, similar to 関心 but slightly more casual.
I'm interested in history.
Adjust conflicting interests.
Refers to rights and interests, especially in economic or territorial contexts.
Protect Japan's interests.
Specifically a share or stake in a company or investment.
Sold my interest in the company.
Work in the public interest.
Means profit or benefit. Often used in formal contexts.
Protect consumers' interests.