Translation and Meaning of: 趣味 - shumi
If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you have probably encountered the word 趣味[しゅみ]. It is frequently used in everyday conversations and appears in discussions about hobbies, interests, and even lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word, as well as understand how it fits into Japanese society. If you are looking for reliable information about しゅみ, you have come to the right place – Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary for students and enthusiasts.
The meaning and translation of 趣味
The word 趣味[しゅみ] is generally translated as "hobby" or "leisure activity," but its meaning goes a bit deeper. While in the West a hobby may be seen merely as a leisure activity, in Japan, しゅみ carries a connotation of dedication and even refinement. It is not just something you do to pass the time, but rather an interest cultivated with a certain level of seriousness.
It's worth noting that 趣味 is not limited to manual or artistic activities. It can be used to describe anything from stamp collecting to studying foreign languages. The important thing is that it be something the person enjoys doing regularly and that brings personal satisfaction. This approach reflects a Japanese cultural aspect that values deep engagement in activities, even if they are just for one's own pleasure.
The origin and the kanji of しゅみ
The kanji for 趣味 is composed of two characters: 趣 and 味. The first, 趣, carries meanings such as "direction," "interest," or "charm," while 味 refers to "taste" or "flavor." Together, they form the idea of a "personal taste" or something that piques someone's interest. This combination is not random – it reflects the Japanese view that hobbies are an extension of one's own taste and personality.
Interestingly, the word 趣味 did not always have the same meaning it has today. Originally, during the Heian period (794-1185), the term was more associated with aesthetic and artistic appreciation among the aristocratic classes. Over time, its use became more popular and began to encompass a wider variety of activities, becoming part of modern everyday vocabulary.
How to use 趣味 in daily life
In contemporary Japanese, しゅみ is an extremely common and versatile word. One of the most basic sentences to ask about someone's hobbies is "趣味は何ですか？" (Shumi wa nan desu ka?), which means "What is your hobby?". The response can vary from "読書です" (reading books) to "旅行です" (traveling), showing how the term encompasses a wide range of interests.
It is important to note that, culturally, the Japanese tend to value hobbies that demonstrate effort or continuous learning. Therefore, it is common to hear answers like "写真を撮ることです" (taking photos) or "楽器を弾くことです" (playing instruments), which suggest a constant practice. This nuance is less about competition and more about the joy of dedicating oneself to something seriously, even if just for fun.
The cultural importance of hobbies in Japan
In Japan, asking about 趣味 is more than just an icebreaker – it's a genuine way to get to know someone. Unlike some Western cultures where hobbies may be seen as secondary, in Japan they are considered an important part of a person's identity. This explains why the question "趣味は？" appears so frequently in casual conversations, job interviews, and even in official forms.
This appreciation for hobbies is linked to the concept of ikigai (reason for living), where pleasurable activities contribute to a more fulfilling life. It is not uncommon to find Japanese people who dedicate decades to the same しゅみ, continuously improving themselves. This mindset helps to understand why calligraphy, tea ceremony, or ikebana courses remain popular even among younger generations.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 嗜好 (shikou) - Preference or personal taste, usually in relation to food or drinks.
- 好み (konomi) - Preference or taste can refer to aesthetic or personal choices.
- 趣向 (shukou) - Inclination or tendency, often related to interests or activities.
- 趣味嗜好 (shumi shikou) - Interests and preferences, referring to hobbies and personal tastes.
- 嗜好趣味 (shikou shumi) - Preferences in hobbies, emphasizing what a person enjoys doing.
- 趣味好み (shumi konomi) - I enjoy hobbies, highlighting specific preferences within leisure activities.
Related words
shibui
1. Tiário (clothes); cool; an aura of refined masculinity; 2. astringent; grumpy; bitter (taste); 3. gloomy; silent; 4. Sober; stingy
Romaji: shumi
Kana: しゅみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: hobby; tastes; preference
Meaning in English: hobby;tastes;preference
Definition: Activities and interests that a person enjoys in their free time.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (趣味) shumi
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (趣味) shumi:
Example Sentences - (趣味) shumi
See below some example sentences:
Ningyou wo atsumeru no ga kanojo no shumi desu
Collecting dolls is her hobby.
Collecting dolls is her hobby.
- 人形 - Means "doll" in Japanese.
- を - direct object particle in Japanese.
- 集める - verb meaning "to collect" in Japanese.
- のが - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese.
- 彼女 - means "she" in Japanese.
- の - possession particle in Japanese.
- 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese.
- です - verb "to be" in Japanese.
Engei wa watashi no shumi desu
Horticulture is my hobby.
- 園芸 - It means "gardening" in Japanese
- は - Japanese topic particle
- 私の - "Meu" in Japanese
- 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
- です - verb "to be" in Japanese
Kanojo wa watashi no shumi o kirau
She doesn't like my hobbies.
She hates my hobby.
- 彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
- は - topic particle in Japanese.
- 私の - "meu" in Japanese.
- 趣味 - "hobby" in Japanese.
- を - Object particle in Japanese.
- 嫌う - "Odiar" in Japanese.
Shugei wa watashi no shumi desu
Handicraft is my hobby.
- 手芸 - It means "craftsmanship" in Japanese
- は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
- 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
- です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Nagameru koto wa watashi no sukina shumi desu
Observing is one of my favorite hobbies.
Watching is my favorite hobby.
- 眺めること - means "to observe" or "to contemplate", it is a verb in the form of a noun.
- は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "眺めること" (observe/contemplate).
- 私の - 私 means "I" and "の" is a grammatical particle that indicates possession, so "私の" means "mine".
- 好きな - 好き means "to like" and "な" is a grammatical particle that indicates an adjective, so "好きな" means "tasty/pleasant".
- 趣味 - means "hobby" or "pastime", it is a noun.
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
Watashi no shumi wa dokusho desu
My hobby is reading.
My hobby and read.
- 私 - me in Japanese
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 趣味 - "hobby" in Japanese
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 読書 - "reading" in Japanese
- です - "to be" in Japanese, indicating the end of the sentence
Shumi wa ryokou desu
My hobby is traveling.
- 趣味 (shumi) - hobby
- は (wa) - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
- 旅行 (ryokou) - travel
- です (desu) - cópula, semelhante a "ser" em inglês
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
