熱心

• Reading: ねっしん
• Romaji: nesshin
• Kanji breakdown: 熱 (netsu) — heat, fever, passion; 心 (shin) — heart, mind
• Pronunciation: /neɕ.ɕi.ɴ/

Meaning

Enthusiastic; eager; keen. Showing passionate dedication to something.

A na-adjective (熱心な) that describes devoted, passionate engagement with an activity or cause. Often used for teachers, students, or anyone deeply committed to their work. 熱心に (adverbial form) is very common for describing how someone does something.

Examples

1. 彼は熱心に日本語を勉強している。 He is enthusiastically studying Japanese.
2. 熱心な先生のおかげで成績が上がった。 Thanks to our dedicated teacher, our grades improved.
3. 社長は新しいプロジェクトに熱心だ。 The CEO is enthusiastic about the new project.

Usage Guide

Context: school, workplace, hobbies

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 熱 (netsu, heat/passion) and 心 (shin, heart/mind). Literally means a heated heart — the burning enthusiasm of a passionate mind.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal