Looking up...
熱心
ねっしん
enthusiastic
彼は熱心に研究を続けている。
He continues his research enthusiastically.
neutral
Showing intense passion, dedication, or eagerness toward a task, activity, or belief.
彼女は熱心にボランティア活動に取り組んでいる。
She is enthusiastically engaged in volunteer activities.
彼の熱心な態度に感動した。
I was impressed by his enthusiastic attitude.
Often used to describe someone's attitude toward work, hobbies, or causes. Can imply both positive dedication and obsessive intensity depending on context.
neutral
Having a strong interest or devotion to a particular subject or activity.
彼は熱心な読書家だ。
He is an avid reader.
Similar to 'devoted' or 'dedicated,' but with a stronger connotation of passion.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Nuance with 熱心 vs. 一生懸命
'熱心' emphasizes natural passion or enthusiasm, while '一生懸命' (isshōkenmei) means 'doing one's best' regardless of innate passion. '熱心' suggests the person genuinely enjoys or cares about what they're doing.
Gold Rule
Usage with に (adverbial form)
熱心 is often used with に to modify a verb, e.g., 熱心に教える (teach enthusiastically), 熱心に聞く (listen intently).
Word Origin
Composed of 熱 (ねつ, netsu, 'heat' or 'passion') and 心 (しん, shin, 'heart' or 'mind'). Literally means 'having a heated heart/mind,' reflecting the idea of intense emotional investment.
Usage Notes
Can be used positively to describe dedication or negatively to imply obsession. The intensity implied is stronger than 'dedicated' but less extreme than 'fanatical.' Often used with に (e.g., 熱心に勉強する).
Word Breakdown
熱
heat/passion
root心
heart/mind
root和英辞典