Translation guide
The English word 'curious' covers two main meanings: (1) wanting to know or learn something, and (2) strange or unusual. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
日本に興味があります。
I'm curious about Japan.
それは奇妙な習慣ですね。
That's a curious custom.
Expressing a desire to find out about something, to learn, or to understand.
Describes a person who is full of curiosity, always eager to learn or explore. Often used as a positive trait.
彼は好奇心旺盛な子供だ。
He is a curious child.
Shows that someone wants to know something, often used for people who ask many questions. Can sound slightly childish or nosy depending on context.
彼女は何でも知りたがる。
She is curious about everything.
Literally 'to have interest'. Use when you are curious about a specific topic or thing. More neutral than 知りたがる.
日本の歴史に興味があります。
I'm curious about Japanese history.
Means something is on your mind, you are curious or concerned about it. Often used for minor worries or things that catch your attention.
あの店が気になる。
I'm curious about that shop.
Describes someone with an unusual or eccentric curiosity, often about trivial or strange things. Can be slightly negative or teasing.
彼は物好きで、変わったものばかり集めている。
He's a curious fellow, always collecting odd things.
Describing something that is odd, peculiar, or unexpected.
The most direct equivalent for 'curious' meaning strange. Used for things, situations, or behavior that seem odd.
それは奇妙な話だ。
That's a curious story.
Mysterious, wondrous, or strange in a way that arouses curiosity. Often has a positive or neutral nuance.
Common word for 'strange' or 'weird'. More casual than 奇妙. Can be used for people, things, or situations.
変な音がする。
There's a curious sound.
Means 'rare' or 'unusual'. Use when something is curious because it is not commonly seen.
好奇心旺盛 (curiosity-driven) only applies to the 'eager to learn' meaning. Using it to mean 'strange' will cause confusion.
好奇心旺盛な音がする。
A curious sound. (incorrect)
気になる implies a more passive, nagging curiosity or concern, while 興味がある is a clear, active interest. Use 気になる for things that catch your attention without deliberate focus.
彼の言動が気になる。
I'm curious about his behavior (it bothers/concerns me).
彼の研究に興味がある。
I'm curious about his research (I'm interested).
It was a curious incident.
珍しい動物を見た。
I saw a curious animal.