関心

• Reading: かんしん
• Romaji: kanshin
• Kanji breakdown: 関 (kan) — connection, barrier; 心 (shin) — heart, mind
• Pronunciation: /ka.n.ɕi.n/

Meaning

Concern; interest. A feeling of curiosity or attention directed toward something.

A noun describing intellectual or emotional interest in a topic. Often used with がある (to have interest), を持つ (to hold interest), or が高い (interest is high). Different from 興味 (kyoumi — curiosity-driven interest), 関心 implies a more serious, sustained concern. Common in news, social issues, and academic discourse.

Examples

1. 環境問題に関心を持つ人が増えている。 I was impressed by how she gets up early every day to study.
2. 政治に関心がない若者が多いと言われている。 That child is so polite despite being young — I'm impressed.
3. 彼女は子供の教育に強い関心がある。 I don't really approve of that approach.

Usage Guide

Context: social issues, news, academic discussion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 関 (connection, barrier) and 心 (heart, mind). Together they express the heart being connected to or concerned with something — one's mind being engaged.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal