Translation and Meaning of: 関心 - kanshin

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 関心[かんしん]. It frequently appears in conversations, texts, and even in animes, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and why it is so relevant for those who want to understand the culture of the country. You will also discover practical tips for memorizing it and using it correctly.

The meaning and use of 関心[かんしん]

The word 関心[かんしん] is usually translated as "interest" or "attention," but its meaning is broader. It carries the idea of something that piques your curiosity or something you genuinely care about. Unlike simply "liking" something, 関心 implies a more active involvement, such as paying attention to a subject or being concerned about it.

In daily life, Japanese people use 関心 in both formal and informal contexts. For example, it may appear in discussions about politics ("彼は政治に関心がある" – "He is interested in politics") or in casual conversations about hobbies. It is a versatile word, but its use requires a bit of nuance to avoid sounding artificial.

The origin and composition of 関心

Analyzing the kanjis that form 関心, we have 関 (barrier, connection) and 心 (heart, mind). Together, they suggest an emotional or mental connection with something, reinforcing the idea of genuine interest. This composition helps to understand why 関心 is not merely "liking," but rather an active and engaged attention.

It is worth noting that 関心 is not an old or rare word – it is present in modern Japanese and widely used in newspapers, books, and conversations. Its use dates back to more formal periods of the language, but today it is fully incorporated into everyday vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using 関心 correctly

An effective way to reinforce 関心 is to associate it with real-life situations. For example, think about something that truly interests you, like a hobby or study topic, and try to form sentences like "日本語に関心があります" ("I am interested in Japanese"). Practicing with concrete examples helps to internalize the vocabulary.

Another tip is to pay attention to the tone of the sentence. Since 関心 can sound a bit more formal than words like 興味 (きょうみ), which also means "interest," it is important to use it in appropriate contexts. Listening to natives in podcasts or videos can provide a better sense of these nuances.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 興味 (kyōmi) - interest
• 注意 (chūi) - Attention
• 気にかかる (ki ni kakaru) - Worry, have something in mind
• 関わる (kakawaru) - To be involved, to relate.
• 関与する (k anyo suru) - To be involved, to participate actively.
• 関わり (kakawari) - Relation, connection
• 関連する (kanren suru) - Relating, being connected
• 意識する (ishiki suru) - Be aware, perceive
• 気を配る (ki o kubaru) - Pay attention, be attentive
• 気を引く (ki o hiku) - Call attention
• 気を惹く (ki o hiku) - Call attention
• 気を引き付ける (ki o hikitsukeru) - Attract attention
• 気になる (ki ni naru) - To be worried about, to be curious about
• 気にする (ki ni suru) - To care about, to give importance
• 気にかける (ki ni kakeru) - Keep in mind, care about
• 気に留める (ki ni tomeru) - Pay attention, notice
• 気に入る (ki ni iru) - To please, to like something
• 気に食う (ki ni kuu) - To please, to like something (colloquial expression)
• 気になさる (ki ni nasaru) - To care, to be concerned (respectful form)
• 気になります (ki ni narimasu) - To be concerned about (respectful form)

関心

Romaji: kanshin
Kana: かんしん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: concern; interest

Meaning in English: concern;interest

Definition: To be interested in other people or things.

Example Sentences - (関心) kanshin

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女の関心を引くことができるだろうか。

Watashi wa kanojo no kanshin o hiku koto ga dekiru darou ka

Can I arouse her interest?

Can I get her interest?

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 - Japanese noun meaning "she" or "girlfriend"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
• 関心 - Japanese noun meaning "interest"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "interest"
• 引く - Japanese verb meaning "to attract"
• こと - Japanese noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• できる - Japanese verb meaning "to be able to"
• だろう - Japanese expression that indicates probability or uncertainty, in this case "I wonder if".
• か - Japanese particle indicating a question