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Monday, April 13, 2009

興味津津

きょうみ しんしん
kyoumi shinshin

We've discussed the kanji 津 before, when we did 津々浦々. It means "port," or "harbor," but remember: we also discussed how referring to multiple ports (津津) in an island nation lends itself to an idea all-encompassing "everywhere-ness." Maybe that has something to do with why 津津 can be defined as "being full," or "brimming," as it is here.

興味, as you probably know, is "interest," as in 「四字熟語に興味あります:I'm interested in Yojijukugo.」

Definition:
興味が次から次へとわいてきて、尽きないさま。
Translation:
1. highly interested
2. being immensely curious
3. with inexhaustible interest

The Japanese definition above specifies an interest that becomes more and more engaging the more you get into it, in a way that seems like it might never end.

Another good word to know in this case is 興味深い (きょうみぶかい;kyoumi bukai): of deep interest. So, "very interesting."

We'll have more in the way of antonyms next time!

例文:テレビドラマの展開が、今後どのようになるのか非常に興味津々である。
There's intense curiousity about how the world of television dramas will develop from here on out.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Cool, this seems like a pretty easy one to throw into a conversation. Good to see another post from you guys. Must be pretty busy these days.

Bobby Judo said...

yeah, pretty busy.

I started my new job at Tosu Middle School, and I'm still working nights at my friend's restaurant, so my internet time is at a premium.

Thanks for your comment!