興味

• Reading: きょうみ
• Romaji: kyoumi
• Kanji breakdown: 興 (kou/kyou) — interest, excitement; 味 (mi/aji) — taste, flavor
• Pronunciation: /kʲo.ɯ.mi/

Meaning

Interest; curiosity. A feeling of wanting to learn more about something.

Most commonly used in the pattern 興味がある (kyoumi ga aru, to be interested in) and 興味を持つ (kyoumi wo motsu, to take an interest in). A fundamental N4 word for expressing personal interests and hobbies in conversation.

Examples

1. 日本の歴史に興味があります。 I'm interested in Japanese history.
2. 最近、料理に興味を持ち始めた。 I've recently started taking an interest in cooking.
3. この本に興味がある人はいますか。 Is anyone interested in this book?

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, conversation, academic topics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 興 (kou/kyou, to raise/excite) and 味 (mi, taste/flavor). Together they express the 'flavor of excitement' — the appealing quality that draws attention.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal