Translation guide
Expressing that someone becomes interested in something, often with a nuance of starting to care or pay attention. Japanese uses various verbs and set phrases depending on whether the interest is general, romantic, or directed at a specific topic.
To express that someone starts to feel curiosity or concern about a subject, hobby, or issue.
The most common and neutral way to say 'take an interest in'. Literally 'hold interest'. Used for intellectual curiosity or personal engagement.
彼は最近、日本の歴史に興味を持ち始めた。
He recently started to take an interest in Japanese history.
I showed experiments so that the children would take an interest in science.
Similar to 興味を持つ but often implies a slightly deeper, more serious concern or attention, sometimes used for social issues or academic topics.
若者が政治に関心を持つことは大切だ。
It's important for young people to take an interest in politics.
Literally 'interest wells up'. Emphasizes the spontaneous arising of interest. Often used when something triggers curiosity.
その本を読んで、心理学に興味が湧いた。
After reading that book, I took an interest in psychology.
Means 'to show interest'. Often used when someone outwardly expresses interest, not just internally feeling it.
彼はその提案に興味を示した。
He showed an interest in the proposal.
To express that someone is attracted to or curious about another person in a romantic or personal way.
A very common casual expression meaning 'to be on one's mind' or 'to be curious about someone'. Often implies a budding romantic interest.
最近、同じクラスの子が気になっている。
Lately, I've been taking an interest in a classmate.
Literally 'hold favorable feelings'. A more formal or explicit way to say you have a romantic interest in someone.
彼女は彼に好意を持っているようだ。
She seems to have taken an interest in him.
To express concern or care for someone, often used when checking on them or offering help.
Means 'to be concerned about' or 'to keep someone in mind'. Implies a caring, protective interest.
先生はいつも生徒のことを気にかけている。
The teacher always takes an interest in the students' well-being.
Literally 'to worry'. Used when the interest is driven by anxiety or concern for someone's safety or health.
母は私の健康をとても心配している。
My mother takes a great interest in my health (out of worry).
興味 (kyōmi) is more about curiosity and personal enjoyment, while 関心 (kanshin) often implies a deeper, sometimes more serious concern. For hobbies, use 興味; for social issues, 関心 is common.
趣味に興味がある。
I'm interested in hobbies.
環境問題に関心がある。
I'm concerned about environmental issues.
Do not translate 'take' literally as 取る (toru). The phrase 'take an interest' is an idiom and should be expressed with 持つ (motsu) or other set phrases.