Translation guide
The English word "keen" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: being eager or enthusiastic, having a sharp mind or senses, and describing intense emotions or competition. It also notes less common uses like sharp blades or low prices.
Expressing strong interest, willingness, or desire to do something.
Attach to the verb stem to express 'want to do'. This is the most direct and common way to express keenness to do something.
I'm keen to go to Japan.
He is keen to start a new project.
Means 'to be enthusiastic' or 'eager' about a suggestion or plan. Often used when someone is keen on an idea.
He is keen on the proposal.
She doesn't seem very keen.
Means 'enthusiastic' or 'zealous'. Suitable for describing a keen learner, supporter, etc.
He is a keen student.
To be full of energy and eagerness, often before an event. 'Raring to go'.
The children were keen and excited the day before the school trip.
Describing acute intelligence, perception, or highly developed senses.
The most common word for 'sharp' in the sense of keen senses, intellect, or insight. Works for eyesight, hearing, intuition, analysis, etc.
He has keen powers of observation.
Means 'sensitive'. Used for keen senses or emotional sensitivity. Slightly different nuance from 鋭い, focusing on responsiveness to stimuli.
She has keen hearing. (lit. She is sensitive to sounds.)
A set phrase meaning 'to have keen intuition' or 'sharp instincts'.
Describing strong feelings, deep interest, or fierce rivalry.
The basic word for 'strong'. Can modify nouns like 興味 (interest) or 関心 (concern) to mean 'keen interest'.
He has a keen interest in history.
Means 'intense' or 'fierce'. Used for keen competition, rivalry, or emotions like jealousy.
Means 'keen' in the sense of 'acute' or 'poignant', often for emotional pain or awareness. Literary/formal.
He felt a keen sorrow.
Describing a physically sharp cutting edge.
Describing a very competitive or low price. (British English usage)
Means 'competitive price'. Used in business contexts. The English 'keen price' is British; in Japanese, 'competitive' is more natural.
We offer keen prices.
The English phrase 'keen on' (liking something or someone) does not have a single direct equivalent. Use 好き (like) or 興味がある (have interest) instead. Avoid literal translations like 〜に熱心だ for casual likes.
He is keen on soccer.
She is keen on him.
鋭い (surudoi) implies active sharpness or acuteness (keen eyesight, keen mind). 敏感 (binkan) implies passive sensitivity or susceptibility (sensitive to cold, sensitive hearing). For 'keen senses', 鋭い is usually better unless emphasizing reaction to stimuli.
I'm not too keen on that idea.
She has a keen eye for detail.
Natural Japanese idiom meaning 'her eyes reach even the small details'.
Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
He has keen intuition, so he spots lies immediately.
その会社は激しい競争に直面している。
The company faces keen competition.