兴趣

• Pinyin: xìng qù
• Hanzi breakdown: 兴 = pictograph of hands raising an object; 趣 = 走 (walk/go) + 取 (take, phonetic)

Meaning

Interest; a feeling of curiosity or enthusiasm about something.

Used to describe a genuine curiosity, hobby, or enthusiasm for an activity or subject. Common in phrases like 对…感兴趣 (to be interested in…) and 有兴趣 (to have an interest). Can refer to casual hobbies or deeper intellectual passions.

Examples

1. 他从小就对音乐有很大的兴趣，现在每天练习弹钢琴。 He has had a great interest in music since he was young and now practises piano every day.
2. 培养广泛的兴趣爱好可以让我们的生活变得更加丰富多彩。 Developing a wide range of hobbies and interests can make our lives much richer and more colourful.
3. 她对学习汉语产生了浓厚的兴趣，决定报名参加语言课程。 She developed a strong interest in learning Chinese and decided to sign up for a language course.

Usage Guide

Context: education, everyday, hobbies

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 我对历史很感兴趣，喜欢读各种历史书籍。(I'm very interested in history and enjoy reading all kinds of history books.)
• 如果你对这个职位感兴趣，请发送简历给我们。(If you're interested in this position, please send us your CV.)

Don't Say

• 用兴趣描述强烈的义务感，如我有兴趣交税。(Don't use 兴趣 for things you are obligated to do — it implies genuine enthusiasm or curiosity, not duty.)

Origin & History

Compound of 兴 (rise/flourish) and 趣 (fun/inclination), together meaning a rising sense of enjoyment or curiosity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal