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B1 noun #900 most common 11 min read

関心

kanshin Top 900

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 関心 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 関心 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express what you like. While '関心' (kanshin) might be a bit advanced for a total beginner, it is useful to know as a more 'grown-up' version of 'interest.' At this stage, you mostly use '好き' (suki - like) or '興味がある' (kyoumi ga aru - have interest). However, you might see '関心' in simple textbooks when talking about school subjects or basic social topics. For an A1 learner, think of '関心' as a word that means your mind is looking at something. For example, '日本に関心があります' (I have an interest in Japan). It is a polite and clear way to tell someone why you are studying the language. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember the pattern [Topic] に関心があります. This will make you sound very polite and serious about your studies. It is also helpful to recognize the kanji: 関 (connection) and 心 (heart). Even at A1, knowing that 'heart' is part of the word for 'interest' helps you remember its meaning. Avoid using it for food or games at this level; keep it for countries, languages, or school subjects to stay safe and natural.

At the A2 level, you can begin to distinguish between different types of interest. You are likely comfortable with '興味がある' for hobbies, so now is the time to add '関心がある' for more 'serious' topics. If you are talking about the news, the environment, or your job, '関心' is the better choice. For example, '私は環境問題に関心があります' (I am interested in environmental issues). At this level, you should also learn the negative form '関心がない' (not interested). You can use this to describe things you don't find important. A2 learners should also notice that '関心' is a noun, so it can be used with particles like 'の' (no) to describe other things, such as '関心の対象' (the object of interest). You might also hear it in simple classroom instructions like '他人の意見に関心を持ちましょう' (Let's have interest in other people's opinions). This level is about moving from purely personal feelings to acknowledging the world around you. By using '関心,' you show that you are paying attention to social and professional matters, which is a key step in becoming a more mature speaker of Japanese.

At the B1 level, '関心' (kanshin) becomes a core part of your vocabulary for discussing social issues and abstract ideas. You should be able to use it fluently in the pattern [Topic] に関心を持つ (to hold an interest) or [Topic] に関心を寄せる (to direct interest). This is the level where you start to understand the nuance between 'interest' as a hobby and 'interest' as a concern. For instance, in a discussion about politics, you would say '政治への関心が高まっている' (Interest in politics is rising). You should also be familiar with the word '無関心' (mukan-shin - indifference) and be able to use it to describe social apathy. B1 learners are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as using '関心' as a subject: '彼の関心は常に新しい技術にある' (His interest is always in new technology). You will also encounter '関心' frequently in reading passages about culture, history, and society. It is important at this stage to avoid the common mistake of confusing '関心' with its homophone '感心' (admiration). Practice identifying which one is being used based on the context—if someone is being praised, it's '感心'; if someone is studying or caring about a topic, it's '関心.'

At the B2 level, you should use '関心' (kanshin) with precision in professional and academic contexts. You are expected to know various collocations beyond just 'ある' or '持つ.' For example, '関心を集める' (to gather interest/attention) and '関心を引く' (to attract interest) are essential for describing how news or events affect the public. You should also be able to use '関心' in the context of research or business analysis, such as '市場の関心を探る' (to explore market interest). At this level, the distinction between '関心' and '興味' should be second nature. You would use '関心' in a formal debate or a written essay to maintain a high register. You should also be aware of how '関心' can be modified by adverbs to show intensity, such as '多大な関心' (great interest) or '薄い関心' (slight interest). Furthermore, B2 learners should understand the sociological implications of '無関心' (indifference) in Japanese society, often discussed in the context of 'voting rates' or 'community involvement.' Your ability to use '関心' correctly in these complex discussions demonstrates a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.

At the C1 level, your use of '関心' (kanshin) should reflect a deep understanding of its stylistic and psychological nuances. You should be able to use it in sophisticated literary or journalistic contexts, such as '公衆の関心を喚起する' (to arouse public interest/concern). You will encounter '関心' in academic papers where it refers to the 'epistemological interest' or 'research focus' (研究関心). At this level, you should also be comfortable with idiomatic and formal expressions like '関心の的にある' (to be the center of interest) or '深い関心を寄せる' (to take a deep interest). You should be able to analyze the difference between '関心' and other related terms like '留意' (paying attention to details) or '懸念' (concern/anxiety) in a nuanced way. For example, you might discuss how a government's '関心' in a region might be perceived as '介入' (intervention) by others. Your vocabulary should also include compound words like '自己関心' (self-interest) or '共通の関心事' (matters of common interest). At C1, '関心' is not just a word for 'interest'; it is a tool for precise conceptual mapping in complex discourse.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '関心' (kanshin) and can use it across all registers, from highly technical academic writing to nuanced interpersonal communication. You understand the historical and philosophical weight of the term, including its use in translated Western philosophy (e.g., Heidegger's 'Sorge' or 'Care' is sometimes related to '関心' in specific contexts). You can effortlessly navigate the subtle differences between '関心,' '興味,' '関与' (involvement), and '執着' (attachment) in philosophical or psychological debates. In professional settings, you use '関心' to frame strategic priorities and stakeholder management with perfect tone. You are also sensitive to the 'pitch accent' and kanji nuances that distinguish '関心' from its homophones in rapid, high-level speech. Your writing utilizes '関心' to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using '無関心の壁' (the wall of indifference) to describe social barriers. At this level, '関心' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used to express everything from a scientist's objective inquiry to a diplomat's careful concern for international stability. You can also critique the use of the word in media, identifying when it is used to manipulate public sentiment or simplify complex issues.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

関心 in 30 Seconds

Kanshin means 'interest' or 'concern,' used for serious, intellectual, or social topics rather than casual hobbies.
It is a formal noun often paired with particles like 'ni' (in) and verbs like 'aru' (have) or 'motsu' (hold).
Unlike 'kyoumi' (casual interest), 'kanshin' implies that the topic is important, relevant, or worth caring about deeply.
The negative form 'mukan-shin' means indifference or apathy, often used to describe a lack of social awareness.

The Japanese word 関心 (kanshin) is a nuanced noun that translates primarily to "interest" or "concern" in English. However, its usage is distinct from the more common word for interest, 興味 (kyoumi). While 興味 often refers to personal hobbies, fun activities, or things that pique one's curiosity in a lighthearted way, 関心 carries a weight of intellectual engagement, social awareness, or professional concern. It is the kind of interest you have in global warming, political elections, or the well-being of a community. When you use 関心, you are signaling that your mind is directed toward a specific subject with a sense of importance or relevance.

Intellectual Curiosity: This refers to a desire to understand the mechanics, history, or implications of a topic. It is common in academic and professional settings.

多くの若者が政治に関心を持っている。 (Many young people have an interest in politics.)

In a social context, 関心 implies that you are not just curious, but that you care about the outcome or the state of something. It is often paired with the particle に (ni) to indicate the object of interest. For example, if a company is looking at market trends, they have a 'business interest' (business-teki kanshin). If a parent is worried about their child's education, they have a 'parental concern' (oya to shite no kanshin). The word is composed of two kanji: 関 (kan), meaning connection or barrier, and 心 (shin), meaning heart or mind. Together, they suggest a state where your heart is connected to or directed toward a specific matter.

Social Concern: Used when discussing public issues, environmental problems, or community welfare where the 'interest' is more about being informed and involved.

環境問題に対する社会的な関心が高まっている。 (Social concern regarding environmental issues is increasing.)

Furthermore, 関心 is frequently used in formal writing, news reports, and business presentations. It is a 'stiff' word compared to its synonyms, making it appropriate for situations where you want to sound educated or professional. It is also used in the phrase '無関心' (mukan-shin), which means indifference or apathy—a common topic in sociological discussions about modern society. Understanding the depth of 関心 allows a learner to move beyond basic expressions of liking things and start discussing complex ideas with Japanese speakers.

Professional Focus: In business, this word describes a strategic focus or a field of study that a company or individual is monitoring closely.

最新のテクノロジーに強い関心を寄せる。 (To take a strong interest in the latest technology.)

彼は他人のすることに全く関心がない。 (He has absolutely no interest in what others do.)

そのニュースは世界中の関心を集めた。 (That news gathered interest from all over the world.)

Using 関心 (kanshin) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical collocations. Unlike English where we "are interested in" something (adjective phrase), in Japanese, we usually "have" or "hold" interest (noun + verb). The most common pattern is [Topic] + に + 関心 + がある (ni kanshin ga aru). This is the standard way to express that you possess an interest in a specific subject. For a more active or intentional feeling, you can use 関心を持つ (kanshin o motsu), which implies the act of developing or maintaining that interest over time.

Standard Possession: [Noun] + に関心がある. This is the most versatile form, suitable for both casual and formal conversations when discussing topics of substance.

私は日本の歴史に深い関心があります。 (I have a deep interest in Japanese history.)

When you want to describe how an external event or person captures the public's attention, you use the verb 集める (atsumeru - to gather) or 引く (hiku - to pull/attract). For example, a major scientific discovery might 'gather the interest of the public.' Conversely, if you want to express that you are directing your personal attention toward something, especially in a formal or literary sense, the verb 寄せる (yoseru) is used. '関心を寄せる' sounds very sophisticated and is often found in journalism or formal speeches.

Dynamic Change: Use verbs like 高まる (takamaru - to rise) or 薄れる (usureru - to fade) to describe how the level of interest changes within a group or individual.

事件の後、防犯への関心が高まった。 (After the incident, interest in crime prevention rose.)

Another important aspect is the negative form. While you can say '関心がない' (have no interest), the noun '無関心' (mukan-shin - indifference) is very powerful. It is often used to describe a lack of concern for social issues or other people's feelings. Being called '無関心な人' (an indifferent person) is usually a criticism, suggesting a lack of empathy or civic duty. In academic writing, you might see '関心を払う' (kanshin o harau), which means to pay attention or give concern to a specific detail, similar to '注意を払う' (chuui o harau) but with a focus on intellectual interest rather than just caution.

Attracting Attention: Use '関心を引く' when something naturally catches your eye or mind because it is unusual or important.

その奇抜なデザインは人々の関心を引いた。 (That eccentric design attracted people's interest.)

彼は自分の健康に全く関心を払わない。 (He pays absolutely no concern to his own health.)

国民の関心は経済政策に集まっている。 (The public's interest is focused on economic policy.)

You will encounter 関心 (kanshin) in a variety of high-level contexts in Japan. One of the most common places is the NHK news or major newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun. Journalists use it to describe what the public is thinking about. Phrases like '国民の関心事' (kokumin no kanshin-goto - matters of national concern) are staples of political reporting. If there is an election, a scandal, or a new law, the media will report on how much '関心' the citizens are showing. It provides a more serious tone than saying people are 'interested' as if it were a hobby.

News and Media: Used to report on public opinion, social trends, and international relations. It often appears in headlines to summarize the 'topic of the day.'

今、世界が最も関心を持っているのは平和だ。 (What the world is most concerned with now is peace.)

In the business world, 関心 is used during meetings and presentations to discuss market research or consumer behavior. A marketing manager might say, 'Our target demographic has a high level of interest (関心) in sustainable products.' It is also used in job interviews. An interviewer might ask, 'What areas of our company are you most interested in?' (当社のどのような点に関心がありますか？). Using 関心 here shows that you have a professional, serious curiosity about the company's operations rather than just a casual 'liking' of their products.

Academic Settings: Professors use this word to describe their research interests (研究関心 - kenkyuu kanshin). It defines the scope of their scholarly work.

私の研究関心は、言語習得のプロセスにあります。 (My research interest lies in the process of language acquisition.)

You will also hear it in documentaries and educational programs. When a narrator says '人々は古くから宇宙に関心を抱いてきた' (People have held an interest in the universe since ancient times), they are using the word to encompass the collective human wonder and scientific inquiry. In daily life, you might hear it when people discuss 'parental involvement' in schools (保護者の関心). If parents are 'uninterested' (無関心), it is seen as a social problem. Therefore, 関心 is not just a word for what you like; it is a word for what you acknowledge as important to your life or society.

Daily Social Discourse: Used when talking about someone's personality or their level of engagement with the world around them.

彼はファッションには全く関心を示さない。 (He shows absolutely no interest in fashion.)

地域社会への関心を深めるための活動。 (Activities to deepen interest in the local community.)

その映画は社会的な関心が高いテーマを扱っている。 (The movie deals with a theme of high social concern.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 関心 (kanshin) is confusing it with its close relative, 興味 (kyoumi). While both mean "interest," they are not interchangeable. Using 関心 for a casual hobby like "I am interested in pizza" (ピザに関心がある) sounds bizarre and overly formal, as if you are studying pizza as a socio-economic phenomenon. For personal tastes and hobbies, 興味 is almost always the better choice. Conversely, using 興味 for a serious political issue can make you sound flippant or shallow, as if you find the suffering of others merely "interesting" for entertainment.

Homophone Confusion: Be careful not to confuse 関心 (kanshin - interest) with 感心 (kanshin - admiration). They sound identical but have completely different meanings and kanji.

× 彼の勇気には関心しました。 (Incorrect: I had interest in his courage.)
○ 彼の勇気には感心しました。 (Correct: I was impressed by his courage.)

Another common error is particle misuse. Learners often try to use を (o) with 関心がある because they think of "having interest" as a direct object relationship. However, in Japanese, the object of your interest is marked with に (ni). You say '政治に関心がある' (interest exists in politics). If you want to use を, you must use a transitive verb like 持つ (motsu - to hold) or 寄せる (yoseru - to direct). Saying '政治に関心がある' is natural; saying '政治を関心がある' is grammatically incorrect.

Over-formality: Using 関心 in a very casual setting with friends can make you sound like a textbook or a news anchor. It can create a sense of distance.

× このゲームに関心がある？ (Too formal for a game with friends.)
○ このゲームに興味ある？ (Natural and casual.)

Finally, watch out for the negative form. While '関心がない' is common, using '無関心' (mukan-shin) as a simple 'I don't care' can be too strong. '無関心' often implies a cold, apathetic attitude toward something that you *should* care about. If you just want to say you aren't interested in a specific topic of conversation, 'あまり興味がない' (I'm not really interested) is much softer and more polite. Using '無関心' can make you sound like you are making a philosophical statement about your lack of empathy.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: Remember: [Topic] に関心がある (Intransitive/State) vs. [Topic] に関心を持つ (Transitive/Action).

彼は周囲の出来事に全く無関心だ。 (He is completely indifferent to the events around him—implies a character flaw.)

× 経済を関心がある。 (Grammar error: wrong particle.)
○ 経済に関心がある。 (Correct.)

× 私はあなたの話に感心があります。 (Wrong kanji: I admire your story vs. I am interested in it.)

To master 関心 (kanshin), you must understand how it sits within a family of related words. The most important comparison is with 興味 (kyoumi). While 関心 is intellectual and objective, 興味 is personal and subjective. If you have 興味 in something, it makes you feel excited or entertained. If you have 関心, you find it important or worthy of attention. Think of 興味 as 'fun interest' and 関心 as 'serious interest.'

興味 (Kyoumi): Personal curiosity, hobbies, and things that are 'interesting' in an entertaining way. Example: 映画に興味がある (I'm interested in movies).

彼は宇宙の謎に興味を持っている。 (He is curious about the mysteries of the universe—implies a sense of wonder.)

Another similar word is 懸念 (kenen), which means 'concern' or 'anxiety.' While 関心 can mean concern in the sense of 'interest,' 懸念 is strictly for negative worries. If you are 'concerned' that a project will fail, use 懸念. If you are 'concerned' with the future of the project because you are interested in its success, use 関心. There is also 注目 (chuumoku), which means 'attention' or 'notice.' This is more about the act of looking at something that is currently popular or noteworthy. You might 'pay attention' (注目する) to a new celebrity, but you have 'interest' (関心) in their career trajectory.

配慮 (Hairyo): Consideration or care for others. While 関心 is about being interested, 配慮 is about taking action to be kind or careful toward someone.

周囲への配慮を忘れないでください。 (Please don't forget to be considerate of those around you.)

Lastly, consider 留意 (ryuui), which is a very formal word for 'keeping something in mind' or 'paying attention to a detail.' This is often used in instructions or warnings. While 関心 is a broad interest, 留意 is a specific focus on a point of caution. For example, 'Please pay attention (留意) to the expiration date.' You wouldn't use 関心 there because you aren't 'interested' in the date; you are just monitoring it for safety. Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the right word for the right level of formality and emotional intent.

執着 (Shuuchaku): Obsession or attachment. This is a negative form of interest where one cannot let go of something.

過去の成功に執着してはいけない。 (You must not cling to past successes.)

新製品に大きな注目が集まっている。 (Great attention is being gathered by the new product.)

安全面に十分留意してください。 (Please pay sufficient attention to safety aspects.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '関' is the same one used in 'Kanto' and 'Kansai,' referring to the 'barriers' or checkpoints that historically divided eastern and western Japan. In '関心,' it implies your mind has 'passed the barrier' to connect with a topic.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kæn.ʃɪn/

US /kɑːn.ʃɪn/

In Japanese, it has a 'Heiban' (flat) pitch accent or sometimes 'Atamadaka' depending on the dialect, but generally, the syllables are even.

Rhymes With

Anshin (peace of mind) Kanshin (admiration) Zanshin (novelty) Kenshin (devotion) Sanshin (three strikes) Denshin (telegraph) Honshin (true feelings) Jinshin (human heart)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kan' like the English word 'can' (with a heavy 'ae' sound).
Pronouncing 'shin' like 'sin' (forgetting the 'h' sound).
Blending the two 'n' sounds into one long nasal sound.
Confusing the pitch with 'kanshin' (admiration), which can have a different pitch contour.
Over-emphasizing the 'i' in 'shin'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge. The context is usually formal.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowing the difference between 関心 and 感心, and correct particle usage (に vs を).

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but choosing it over 'kyoumi' requires cultural awareness.

Listening 4/5

Can be easily confused with 'kanshin' (admiration) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

興味 (Interest/Curiosity) 心 (Heart/Mind) 関係 (Relation/Connection) ある (To exist/have) 持つ (To hold)

Learn Next

意識 (Consciousness/Awareness) 配慮 (Consideration) 懸念 (Concern/Anxiety) 重視 (Importance/Priority) 把握 (Grasping/Understanding)

Advanced

啓蒙 (Enlightenment) 喚起 (Arousal/Evocation) 収斂 (Convergence) 潮流 (Trend/Current) 葛藤 (Conflict)

Grammar to Know

Particle 'ni' for objects of interest

歴史に関心がある。

Particle 'he no' for modifying nouns

政治への関心。

Using 'koto' to nominalize verbs before 'kanshin'

教えることに関心がある。

Negative form 'ga nai' vs 'mukan-shin'

関心がない (state) vs 無関心だ (trait).

Transitive verbs with 'o'

関心を持つ、関心を寄せる。

Examples by Level

私は日本に関心があります。

I have an interest in Japan.

Topic + に + 関心があります (Standard polite form).

漢字に関心がありますか？

Are you interested in Kanji?

Question form using 'ka'.

彼は歴史に関心があります。

He is interested in history.

Third person subject + に関心がある.

音楽に関心があります。

I am interested in music.

Noun + に関心がある.

スポーツに関心はありません。

I am not interested in sports.

Negative form: 関心はありません.

何に関心がありますか？

What are you interested in?

Interrogative 'nani' (what).

料理に関心を持ちました。

I became interested in cooking.

Past tense: 関心を持ちました (became interested).

カメラに関心がある友達がいます。

I have a friend who is interested in cameras.

Relative clause: [関心がある] + 友達.

環境問題に関心を持つことは大切です。

It is important to have an interest in environmental issues.

Using 'koto' to turn the phrase into a noun phrase.

彼女は外国の文化に強い関心があります。

She has a strong interest in foreign cultures.

Adding 'tsuyoi' (strong) to modify the noun.

最近、健康に関心を持つ人が増えています。

Recently, the number of people interested in health is increasing.

Present progressive: 増えています (is increasing).

この本を読んで、宇宙に関心を持ちました。

I read this book and became interested in space.

Te-form for sequence of actions: 読んで (read and...).

将来の仕事に関心がありますか？

Are you interested in your future job?

Possessive 'no': 将来の仕事 (future's job).

彼は政治に全く関心がありません。

He has absolutely no interest in politics.

Adverb 'mattaku' (completely/absolutely) with negative.

新しい技術に関心がある学生が多いです。

There are many students interested in new technology.

Adjective 'ooi' (many) at the end of the sentence.

あなたの関心は何ですか？

What is your interest?

Using 'kanshin' as the subject of the sentence.

そのニュースは多くの人々の関心を集めました。

That news gathered the interest of many people.

Verb 'atsumeru' (to gather/collect).

社会問題に対して無関心であってはいけません。

You must not be indifferent to social issues.

Negative obligation: ~であってはいけません.

彼は自分の専門分野以外のことにも関心を広げている。

He is expanding his interest to things outside his field of expertise.

Verb 'hirogeru' (to expand/spread).

教育への関心が高まるにつれて、予算も増えた。

As interest in education rose, the budget also increased.

Grammar: ~につれて (as.../along with...).

ボランティア活動に関心がある方は、こちらへどうぞ。

If you are interested in volunteer activities, please come this way.

Polite noun 'kata' instead of 'hito'.

この映画は、若者の政治への関心を高める目的で作られた。

This movie was made with the aim of increasing young people's interest in politics.

Passive voice: 作られた (was made).

彼は他人のプライバシーに過剰な関心を持っている。

He has an excessive interest in other people's privacy.

Adjective 'kajou-na' (excessive).

私たちは共通の関心事について話し合った。

We discussed matters of common interest.

Compound noun: 関心事 (matters of interest).

政府は国民の関心をそらすために、新しい政策を発表した。

The government announced a new policy to distract the public's interest.

Verb 'sorasu' (to divert/distract).

その研究は学界で大きな関心を呼び起こした。

That research aroused great interest in the academic world.

Verb phrase 'yobi-okosu' (to arouse/evoke).

多角的な視点から問題に関心を寄せることが重要だ。

It is important to take an interest in the problem from multifaceted perspectives.

Verb 'yoseru' (to direct/lean toward).

彼はファッションには無関心を装っているが、実は詳しい。

He pretends to be indifferent to fashion, but he is actually knowledgeable.

Verb 'yosoou' (to pretend/feign).

消費者の関心が「所有」から「共有」へと変化している。

Consumer interest is shifting from 'ownership' to 'sharing.'

Particle 'e-to' (toward).

その事件は国際的な関心事となり、多くの国が注視している。

The incident became a matter of international concern, and many countries are watching closely.

Verb 'chuushi-suru' (to watch closely/monitor).

芸術に対する関心の深さは、人によって異なる。

The depth of interest in art varies from person to person.

Grammar: ~によって異なる (varies depending on...).

彼は常に最先端の科学技術に関心を払っている。

He is always paying attention to cutting-edge science and technology.

Verb 'harau' (to pay/give).

メディアの過熱した報道が、不必要な関心を煽っている。

Overheated media coverage is fanning unnecessary interest.

Verb 'aoru' (to fan/instigate).

彼の哲学的関心は、存在の意味という根源的な問いに向けられている。

His philosophical interest is directed toward the fundamental question of the meaning of existence.

Passive potential: 向けられている (is being directed).

この論文は、歴史学における新たな関心の潮流を示している。

This paper indicates a new trend of interest in historical studies.

Noun 'chouryuu' (trend/current).

企業は社会的責任（CSR）に対して、より高い関心を示すべきだ。

Companies should show higher interest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Auxiliary 'beki' (should).

現代社会における政治的無関心の打破が急務である。

Breaking through political indifference in modern society is an urgent task.

Noun 'daha' (breakthrough/abolition).

その作家の関心は、常に人間の内面の葛藤に置かれていた。

The author's interest was always placed on the internal conflicts of human beings.

Passive past: 置かれていた (was placed).

知的好奇心と学術的関心は、似て非なるものである。

Intellectual curiosity and academic interest are similar yet different things.

Idiom: 似て非なる (similar but different).

彼は世俗的な成功には一切関心を示さず、修行に励んだ。

He showed no interest at all in worldly success and devoted himself to training.

Adverb 'issai' (at all/entirely) with negative.

その法案の是非を巡って、国民の関心は二分されている。

Public interest is split in two over the pros and cons of the bill.

Grammar: ~を巡って (concerning/over).

認識論的な関心から出発して、彼は独自の真理観を構築した。

Starting from an epistemological interest, he constructed his own view of truth.

Adverbial phrase: ~から出発して (starting from...).

大衆の関心が刹那的な娯楽に収斂していく現状を危惧する。

I fear the current situation where public interest is converging on ephemeral entertainment.

Verb 'shuuren' (convergence).

自己の利益のみを追求する「自己関心」の肥大化が、社会の分断を招いている。

The bloating of 'self-interest'—pursuing only one's own benefit—is leading to social fragmentation.

Noun 'hidai-ka' (bloating/enlargement).

その詩人の関心は、言葉の響きとその背後に潜む沈黙に向けられていた。

The poet's interest was directed toward the sound of words and the silence lurking behind them.

Verb 'hisomu' (to lurk/be hidden).

外交交渉において、相手国の安全保障上の関心を無視することはできない。

In diplomatic negotiations, one cannot ignore the security interests of the other country.

Potential negative: 無視することはできない (cannot ignore).

科学的探究心は、対象に対する純粋な関心から生まれるものである。

Scientific inquiry is something born from a pure interest in the subject.

Noun 'tankyuu-shin' (spirit of inquiry).

歴史の必然性に対する関心が、彼の著作の通奏低音となっている。

An interest in the inevitability of history serves as the basso continuo of his writings.

Metaphor: 通奏低音 (basso continuo/underlying theme).

Synonyms

興味関与配慮注視アテンション

Antonyms

無関心無頓着

Common Collocations

関心がある

関心を持つ

関心を寄せる

関心を集める

関心を引く

関心が高まる

関心が薄れる

関心を払う

無関心を装う

強い関心

Common Phrases

関心事

— A matter of interest or concern. Used to describe a specific topic people are talking about.

最近の関心事は物価の上昇だ。

無関心層

— The indifferent segment of the population. Often used in politics to describe people who don't vote.

無関心層をどう動かすかが課題だ。

多角的関心

— Multifaceted interest. Looking at a problem from many different angles.

多角的関心を持って研究に取り組む。

自己関心

— Self-interest. Focusing only on one's own benefits.

自己関心だけで動くのは良くない。

共通の関心

— Common interest. Something that two or more parties are both interested in.

二国間には共通の関心がある。

知的関心

— Intellectual interest. Curiosity about knowledge and learning.

彼の知的関心は非常に広い。

社会的関心

— Social concern/interest. Matters that affect society as a whole.

社会的関心の高いテーマを選ぶ。

強い関心を示す

— To show strong interest. A formal way to say someone is very interested.

彼はその計画に強い関心を示した。

関心の的

— The center of interest. Something that everyone is looking at.

彼女はパーティーで関心の的だった。

関心を深める

— To deepen one's interest. To learn more and care more about a topic.

異文化への関心を深める。

Often Confused With

関心 vs 感心 (Kanshin)

Identical pronunciation but means 'admiration' or 'being impressed.' Used for people's actions.

関心 vs 興味 (Kyoumi)

Means 'interest' but is more casual and personal. Used for hobbies and fun things.

関心 vs 歓心 (Kanshin)

A rare homophone meaning 'favor' or 'goodwill.' Used in 'buying someone's favor' (歓心を買う).

Idioms & Expressions

"関心の的になる"

— To become the center of attention or interest.

その新技術は世界中の関心の的になった。

Neutral

"関心を寄せる"

— To direct one's interest toward something, often used in a formal or literary sense.

彼は古美術に関心を寄せている。

Formal

"関心を引く"

— To catch someone's eye or pique their curiosity.

そのポスターは通りがかりの人の関心を引いた。

Neutral

"関心を払う"

— To pay attention or give concern to something, similar to 'attention to detail.'

彼は部下の悩みに関心を払っている。

Formal

"無関心を決め込む"

— To pretend to be indifferent or to stubbornly ignore something.

彼は政治に対して無関心を決め込んでいる。

Informal

"関心が薄れる"

— For interest to fade or diminish over time.

ブームが去り、人々の関心が薄れた。

Neutral

"関心を煽る"

— To fan the flames of interest, often used for media sensationalism.

週刊誌がスキャンダルへの関心を煽っている。

Neutral

"関心を喚起する"

— To arouse or awaken interest in a topic that was previously ignored.

その講演は環境保護への関心を喚起した。

Formal

"関心の外"

— Outside of one's interest. Something one doesn't care about at all.

そんなことは私の関心の外だ。

Neutral

"関心を共有する"

— To share the same interests or concerns with others.

私たちは平和への関心を共有している。

Formal

Easily Confused

関心 vs 興味

Both translate to 'interest' in English.

興味 is for personal enjoyment and curiosity (hobbies). 関心 is for intellectual engagement and social concern (news, issues).

アニメに興味がある (I like anime) vs. アニメ産業に関心がある (I'm interested in the anime industry).

関心 vs 感心

They are homophones (pronounced the same).

感心 is a verb/noun for being impressed by something good. 関心 is a noun for being interested in a topic.

彼の努力に感心した (I was impressed by his effort).

関心 vs 懸念

Both can translate to 'concern' in English.

懸念 is always negative (worry). 関心 can be neutral or positive (interest/attention).

倒産の懸念がある (Concern about bankruptcy).

関心 vs 注目

Both involve looking at or thinking about something.

注目 is about the act of paying attention to something currently popular. 関心 is a deeper, internal state of interest.

新選手に注目する (Watch the new player).

関心 vs 配慮

Both involve 'thinking about' others.

配慮 is about being kind and careful (consideration). 関心 is just about being interested or caring about the topic.

お年寄りへの配慮 (Consideration for the elderly).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] に関心があります。

日本に関心があります。

[Noun] に強い関心がある。

環境に強い関心がある。

[Noun] への関心が高まっている。

教育への関心が高まっている。

[Noun] に関心を寄せる。

ボランティアに関心を寄せる。

[Noun] は [Noun] の関心の的だ。

その事件は国民の関心の的だ。

[Noun] に対する無関心を打破する。

政治に対する無関心を打破する。

[Noun] に関心を持つきっかけになった。

留学が、日本に関心を持つきっかけになった。

[Noun] に関心を払う余裕がない。

忙しくて他人のことに関心を払う余裕がない。

Word Family

Nouns

関心 (Interest)

無関心 (Indifference)

関心事 (Matter of interest)

関心度 (Level of interest)

Verbs

関心する (Note: Rare as a verb, usually '関心を持つ')

関心を集める (To gather interest)

関心を寄せる (To direct interest)

Adjectives

無関心な (Indifferent)

関心が高い (Highly interested)

興味 (Curiosity)

注意 (Attention)

配慮 (Consideration)

懸念 (Concern)

感心 (Admiration - Homophone)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, academic writing, and professional settings. Moderate in daily casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 関心 for casual hobbies. → 興味がある (kyoumi ga aru).
関心 is too formal for things like 'I like pizza' or 'I like video games.' It makes you sound like a researcher.
Using the particle 'o' with 'kanshin ga aru'. → ～に関心がある (ni kanshin ga aru).
Since 'aru' is an intransitive verb, the object of interest must be marked with 'ni'.
Confusing 関心 with 感心. → Use 関心 for interest, 感心 for admiration.
These are homophones. '感心する' means to be impressed; '関心がある' means to be interested.
Using 関心 for romantic interest. → 興味がある or 好きだ.
Using 関心 for a person sounds cold and clinical, as if they are a specimen you are studying.
Using 関心 as a verb (関心する). → 関心を持つ or 関心がある.
Unlike 'kyoumi-shinshin' or other words, 'kanshin' is not typically used as a 'suru' verb for 'interest.'

Tips

Topic Selection

Use 関心 for 'big' topics like politics, science, and society. Use 興味 for 'small' or personal topics like food, movies, and games.

Particle Choice

Always use 'に' (ni) when saying you are interested in something with 'ある'. Example: '宇宙に関心がある'.

Formal Writing

In essays, use '関心を寄せる' to show a more active and sophisticated level of interest.

Homophone Alert

If you hear 'kanshin' and the person is smiling and nodding, they probably mean '感心' (impressed). If they are discussing a topic, they mean '関心'.

Politeness

Using 関心 in a job interview shows that you are a serious candidate who thinks about the company's future.

Compound Words

Learn '無関心' (indifference) as it is a very common social term in Japan.

Kanshin vs Kenen

Remember that 関心 is neutral/positive interest, while 懸念 is strictly for negative worries.

Self-Introduction

In a formal self-introduction, say '日本の経済に関心があります' to sound more educated than '日本が好きです'.

News Headlines

When you see '関心' in a headline, it usually refers to 'public opinion' or 'what people are worried about'.

Kanji Meaning

Think of '関' as 'Connection'. If you have a connection to a topic in your heart (心), you have 関心.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kan' as a 'Connection' and 'Shin' as your 'Heart.' If you have a 'Heart Connection' to a topic, you have 'Kanshin' (Interest).

Visual Association

Imagine a heart (心) with a bridge or a gate (関) leading to a specific object like a book or a globe. The bridge represents your interest.

Word Web

Politics Environment Society Education Research Public Opinion Indifference Attention

Challenge

Try to use '関心' in a sentence about a news story you read today. Avoid using '興味' to see if you can capture the more serious tone.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. The first character '関' (kan) originally meant a gate or a barrier, later evolving to mean 'to relate to' or 'connection.' The second character '心' (shin) means 'heart' or 'mind.'

Original meaning: To have one's heart/mind connected to or involved with a specific matter.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Calling someone '無関心' (indifferent) can be a strong insult in Japan, implying they are cold or socially irresponsible.

In English, 'interest' covers both hobbies and serious concerns. In Japanese, '関心' is the serious side, and '興味' is the hobby side. Mixing them up can make you sound immature or overly stiff.

NHK News often uses the phrase '国民の関心' (Public interest). Sociologists often write about '政治的無関心' (Political apathy) in Japan. The term appears in the Japanese Basic Act on Education.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics and Society

政治への関心
国民の関心事
社会的無関心
関心が高まる

Business and Marketing

消費者の関心
市場の関心を探る
強い関心を示す
関心を集める

Education and Research

研究関心
知的関心
教育への関心
関心を深める

Environment

環境問題への関心
エコロジーに関心がある
地球温暖化への関心
関心を喚起する

Interpersonal Relations

他人のことに関心がない
お互いの関心事
深い関心を寄せる
無関心な態度

Conversation Starters

"最近、どのようなニュースに関心がありますか？ (What kind of news are you interested in lately?)"

"日本の文化の中で、特に関心があることは何ですか？ (In Japanese culture, what are you particularly interested in?)"

"環境問題について、周りの人の関心は高いですか？ (Is the interest of people around you high regarding environmental issues?)"

"将来、どのような分野の仕事に関心を持っていますか？ (What fields of work are you interested in for the future?)"

"最近の若者の政治への関心について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about young people's interest in politics these days?)"

Journal Prompts

あなたが今、最も強い関心を持っている社会問題について書いてください。 (Write about the social issue you are most strongly interested in right now.)

子供の頃と今で、関心の対象はどう変わりましたか？ (How has the object of your interest changed from when you were a child to now?)

「無関心」が社会に与える影響について、あなたの考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the impact that 'indifference' has on society.)

新しい言語を学ぶことで、その国への関心はどう深まりましたか？ (How has learning a new language deepened your interest in that country?)

あなたが仕事や学問で追求したい「知的関心」は何ですか？ (What is the 'intellectual interest' you want to pursue in your work or studies?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's better to use 興味 (kyoumi). Using 関心 (kanshin) for a hobby like playing guitar sounds like you are studying the guitar from a historical or technical perspective rather than just enjoying it. Say 'ギターに興味がある' instead.

関心がある (kanshin ga aru) describes a state of having interest. 関心を持つ (kanshin o motsu) implies a more active or intentional process of 'holding' or 'developing' that interest. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 'motsu' sounds slightly more deliberate.

Generally, yes. In a social context, being 無関心 (mukan-shin) implies a lack of empathy or civic responsibility. However, in a philosophical context, it might describe a state of being unaffected by worldly desires, though other words like 'mushin' (empty mind) are more common for that.

Do not use 関心. Use '興味がある' or, more directly, '好きです' (I like you). Using 関心 makes it sound like you are interested in the person as a research subject.

Because 関心がある literally means 'interest exists in [topic].' Since 'aru' is an intransitive verb of existence, the location of that existence is marked with 'ni.' If you use a transitive verb like 'motsu' (to hold), you use 'o': '関心を持つ'.

No. While you might hear '感心する' (to be impressed), '関心する' is not standard Japanese. You must use a helper verb like 'ある', '持つ', or '寄せる'.

Usually, '心配' (shinpai - worry) or '懸念' (kenen - concern/anxiety) is used for medical worries. 関心 would only be used if you are 'interested' in a medical field or a specific disease as a topic of study.

It means 'the target of interest' or 'the center of attention.' It is used when everyone is focusing on one specific person or event. For example, 'His scandal became the center of interest (関心の的).'

Context is key. '感心' is almost always followed by 'する' (kanshin-suru) or used to praise someone. '関心' is usually followed by 'がある' or 'を持つ' and refers to a topic of study or news.

Yes, very often. It is used to show professional interest in a proposal, a market trend, or a company's activities. It sounds polite and serious.