Translation and Meaning of: 情熱 - jyounetsu

The Japanese word 情熱[じょうねつ] carries a deep and vibrant meaning, often associated with emotional intensity and dedication. If you are looking to understand its real use in Japan, its origin, or how to apply it in conversations, this article will explore all of that clearly. Additionally, we will look at how this expression appears in Japanese culture and tips for memorizing it effectively.

Let's unravel everything from the composition of kanjis to practical examples from daily life, ensuring that you not only learn the term but also absorb its cultural context. Whether for study or curiosity, understanding 情熱 is essential for anyone who wishes to dive into the Japanese language with authenticity.

Meaning and origin of 情熱

The word 情熱 is composed of two kanjis: 情 (emotion, feeling) and 熱 (heat, fervor). Together, they form the concept of "passion" or "zeal," conveying the idea of an intense and lasting emotion. Unlike more fleeting terms, such as 興奮 (excitement), 情熱 implies a deep commitment, whether in relationships, hobbies, or work.

Its origin dates back to the Edo period, when the kanji 熱 began to be used metaphorically to describe emotional states. Records in classical texts show that 情熱 was initially used in literary and philosophical contexts, gaining traction in everyday vocabulary only in the 20th century. Today, it is common in motivational speeches and even in advertising slogans.

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, 情熱 is not a term used lightly. Companies use it to describe the dedication of exemplary employees, while artists associate it with works made with extreme devotion. A survey by the National Institute for the Japanese Language (2019) indicated that 情熱 appears among the 500 most frequently used words in newspapers, often linked to sports and technological innovations.

Interestingly, there is a cultural care in not attributing 情熱 to ephemeral situations. Saying "I have 情熱 for this dish" would sound exaggerated, as the word demands constancy. On the other hand, phrases like "she lives with 情熱 for music" are perfectly natural, reflecting a valued trait in Japanese society: perseverance.

Tips for memorization and practical use

An effective way to memorize 情熱 is to associate its kanjis with vivid images. Visualize 情 as a pulsating heart and 熱 as flames, creating the mindset of "emotion in flames." This technique, recommended by the WaniKani method, helps avoid confusion with similar words like 熱意 (zelo), which does not carry the same emotional weight.

To practice, try using 情熱 in real contexts. Did you watch a documentary about a dedicated craftsman? Think "His passion for his work is touching." This type of concrete application, combined with studying kanjis, transforms learning into something natural and lasting – just like 情熱 itself.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 熱情 (netsujou) - Intense and burning passion.
• 情熱 (jounetsu) - Enthusiasm and fervor, usually related to feelings and emotions.
• 熱気 (neki) - Heat or human warmth, used to describe a lively atmosphere.
• 熱意 (netsui) - Determination and zeal regarding something, enthusiasm to act.
• 熱中 (necchuu) - Intense focus or dedication to an activity or interest, almost like a state of absorption.

情熱

Romaji: jyounetsu
Kana: じょうねつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: passion; enthusiasm; zeal

Meaning in English: passion;enthusiasm;zeal

Definition: Passion: A strong and intense feeling or desire.

Example Sentences - (情熱) jyounetsu

See below some example sentences:

情熱的な愛を持って生きる。

Jounetsuteki na ai wo motte ikiru

Viva com amor apaixonado.

Live with passionate love.

• 情熱的な - passionate, burning
• 愛 - love
• を - direct object particle
• 持って - Land, possess
• 生きる - live

私の情熱は永遠に燃え続ける。

Watashi no jōnetsu wa eien ni moetsuzukeru

My passion will continue to burn forever.

My passion continues to burn forever.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "meu" in Portuguese
• 情熱 - noun meaning "passion" or "enthusiasm"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" in Portuguese
• 永遠に - adverb meaning "forever" or "eternally"
• 燃え続ける - compound verb meaning "to keep burning" or "to keep burning"