It describes an admirable attitude or action that makes one feel respect or praise.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to praise someone's admirable behavior or attitude.
- Usually used by superiors toward subordinates.
- Focuses on effort and good intentions rather than just results.
Overview
- 1概要：「感心な」は、ある人の行いが優れていて、周囲から称賛されるべき状態を指します。単に能力が高いだけでなく、その人の「姿勢」「努力」「心がけ」に対して使われるのが特徴です。2) 使用パターン：主に「感心な＋名詞（人や行い）」の形で用いられます。例：「感心な若者」「感心な心がけ」。また、「感心なことだ」と文末で述べることもあります。3) 一般的な文脈：親が子供に対して、上司が部下に対して、あるいは教師が生徒に対して使うことが一般的です。自分より目上の人に対して使うと失礼になる可能性があるため注意が必要です。4) 類語比較：「立派な」はより広く、能力や外見、人格全体に使える広い言葉です。「偉い」は、その人の行動が並外れて優れていることを強調します。「感心な」は、特にその人の「良心的な行動」や「努力の姿勢」に焦点を当てた、温かみのある評価です。
Examples
毎日遅くまで勉強するなんて、感心な学生ですね。
everydayIt is admirable that you study until late every day.
若いのにボランティア活動に参加するとは感心なことだ。
formalIt is admirable that he participates in volunteer work despite being young.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
感心なことに
Admirably / To one's admiration
Often Confused With
This is a noun meaning 'interest'. It has the same pronunciation but a completely different meaning related to curiosity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is mainly used from a superior's perspective. It carries a nuance of evaluation, so it can sound condescending. Always be careful when addressing someone of higher status.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using it for superiors, which sounds arrogant. Another error is confusing it with the noun '関心' (interest) due to the identical reading.
Tips
Focus on the attitude
Use this word when you want to highlight the effort or character of someone, not just their intelligence.
Avoid using with superiors
Because it implies judgment or evaluation, it is considered rude to use toward teachers, bosses, or elders.
Japanese appreciation for effort
In Japanese culture, valuing the process and the 'heart' behind an action is highly regarded, which is why this word is common.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb '感心する' (to be impressed). It combines '感' (feeling/emotion) and '心' (heart), meaning the heart is moved by someone's actions.
Cultural Context
The word reflects the Japanese cultural value of 'doryoku' (effort). Acknowledging someone's humble and persistent effort is a common way to build rapport.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kan-shin' as 'Can-see' the effort. If you can see their hard work, you feel 'Kan-shin-na'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions避けるべきです。「感心な」は評価するニュアンスが含まれるため、目上の人に対して使うと「上から目線」と受け取られる可能性があります。
「感心する」は動詞で「心から良いと思う」という感情そのものを表します。「感心な」は、その対象を修飾する形容動詞として使います。
子供が一生懸命勉強している時や、部下が地道な努力を続けている時など、相手の姿勢を褒めたい時に使うのが最も自然です。
明確な反対語はありませんが、あえて言うなら「呆れた」「不届きな」などが、評価が低いという意味で対照的です。
Test Yourself
毎日欠かさず練習するなんて、___心がけだね。
名詞を修飾するため、形容動詞の連体形「な」が必要です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes an admirable attitude or action that makes one feel respect or praise.
- Used to praise someone's admirable behavior or attitude.
- Usually used by superiors toward subordinates.
- Focuses on effort and good intentions rather than just results.
Focus on the attitude
Use this word when you want to highlight the effort or character of someone, not just their intelligence.
Avoid using with superiors
Because it implies judgment or evaluation, it is considered rude to use toward teachers, bosses, or elders.
Japanese appreciation for effort
In Japanese culture, valuing the process and the 'heart' behind an action is highly regarded, which is why this word is common.
Examples
2 of 2毎日遅くまで勉強するなんて、感心な学生ですね。
It is admirable that you study until late every day.
若いのにボランティア活動に参加するとは感心なことだ。
It is admirable that he participates in volunteer work despite being young.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
優位
B1Superiority; a position of advantage or dominance.
