兴趣
我对中国历史很感兴趣。
I'm very interested in Chinese history.
a feeling of wanting to pay attention to something or discover more about it
他对音乐没有兴趣。
He has no interest in music.
培养孩子的阅读兴趣很重要。
Cultivating children's interest in reading is important.
兴趣 can refer to both innate curiosity and acquired hobbies. It is often used with 对...感兴趣 (to be interested in...) structure.
a hobby or activity that one enjoys doing in their free time
我的兴趣是画画和弹钢琴。
My hobbies are painting and playing the piano.
In this sense, 兴趣 is often pluralized in English (e.g., 'interests').
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Using '有兴趣' instead of '感兴趣'
Correct: 我对这部电影很感兴趣 (I'm interested in this movie). Incorrect: 我对这部电影有兴趣 (has the same meaning but sounds unnatural in modern Chinese). The natural phrase is 对...感兴趣.
Gold Rule
Rule: 兴趣 vs. 爱好
兴趣 emphasizes the feeling of interest or curiosity, while 爱好 refers to the actual activity or hobby. For example: 我对音乐有兴趣 (I'm interested in music) vs. 我的爱好是音乐 (My hobby is music).
Word Origin
兴 (xìng) means 'to rise' or 'to flourish' and 趣 (qù) means 'to tend towards' or 'interest'. Combined, 兴趣 originally referred to the natural tendency or inclination toward something, evolving to mean 'interest' in modern usage.
Usage Notes
1. 兴趣 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. 2. The structure 对...感兴趣 is the most natural way to express 'to be interested in...' in Chinese. 3. When referring to multiple hobbies, use 兴趣爱好 (interests and hobbies). 4. 不感兴趣 (not interested) is a common negative form.