Translation guide
The English word 'interests' can refer to hobbies, things you are curious about, financial stakes, or benefits. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Talking about things you enjoy doing in your free time, like sports, music, or reading.
The most common word for hobbies or personal interests. Often used in self-introductions.
My hobby is reading.
趣味は何ですか。
What are your hobbies?
Refers to things you are interested in or curious about, not necessarily active hobbies. Often used with がある.
日本文化に興味があります。
I'm interested in Japanese culture.
Literally 'things I like', a casual way to talk about interests.
好きなことは映画を見ることです。
What I like is watching movies.
Referring to topics or fields that capture your attention, such as academic subjects or social issues.
Used for matters you care about or pay attention to, often with a serious or intellectual nuance.
環境問題に関心があります。
I'm interested in environmental issues.
Can also be used for intellectual curiosity, similar to 関心 but slightly more casual.
Referring to a share, right, or involvement in a business, property, or legal matter.
Refers to interests in the sense of advantages and disadvantages, often used in business or legal contexts.
利害関係を調整する。
Adjust conflicting interests.
Refers to rights and interests, especially in economic or territorial contexts.
Specifically a share or stake in a company or investment.
Used in phrases like 'in the interests of' or 'for someone's interests', meaning for the good of someone.
A general pattern meaning 'for the sake of'. Combine with words like 利益 (benefit) or 安全 (safety).
公共の利益のために働く。
Work in the public interest.
Means profit or benefit. Often used in formal contexts.
消費者の利益を守る。
Protect consumers' interests.
趣味 (shumi) is for hobbies you actively do. 興味 (kyōmi) is for things you find interesting but may not do. For example, you can have 興味 in space exploration without it being a 趣味.
In many contexts, English 'interests' is better expressed with a phrase like 〜に興味がある or 〜が好き, not a single noun.
I'm interested in history.
日本の権益を守る。
Protect Japan's interests.
会社の持分を売却した。
Sold my interest in the company.