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March 24, 2026
兴趣(興趣)xìngqù(xing4qu4)
兴趣 (xìngqù) refers to a person's desire or enthusiasm to engage in or learn about something. It can denote both a general interest in various topics and specific hobbies that capture someone's attention, making it a versatile term in conversations about preferences and activities.
Frequency#795DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having diverse 兴趣 is often seen as a positive trait, reflecting an individual's openness to learning and personal development. It is common for people to discuss their 兴趣 during social gatherings to find common ground.
Memory Tip
Think of 兴 (xìng) as a rising sun, symbolizing growing enthusiasm, and 趣 (qù) as a treasure chest filled with hobbies and interests. Together, they create a vivid image of a person excitedly discovering new treasures in their life.
Meanings of 兴趣
xìngqù(xing4qu4)
1interest (desire to know about sth)
2interest (thing in which one is interested)
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 兴趣
兴趣Simplified
興趣Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 3.0L3IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 兴趣
Podcast: 兴趣
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AI Study Notes for 兴趣
Quick Contrast
爱好 (àihào) refers specifically to a hobby or pastime that someone enjoys, while 兴趣 (xìngqù) can denote a broader range of interests, including fleeting curiosities.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 兴 (xìng) as a rising sun, symbolizing growing enthusiasm, and 趣 (qù) as a treasure chest filled with hobbies and interests. Together, they create a vivid image of a person excitedly discovering new treasures in their life.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 兴趣 with the word 爱好 (àihào), which specifically means 'hobby.' While 兴趣 can imply a broader range of interests, 爱好 is more about favorite activities. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 兴趣 is not specifically listed in HSK vocabulary, it is relevant for HSK 3 and above learners as it connects with topics such as hobbies and preferences. Students should practice using this word in sentences to describe their interests.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having diverse 兴趣 is often seen as a positive trait, reflecting an individual's openness to learning and personal development. It is common for people to discuss their 兴趣 during social gatherings to find common ground.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 兴趣 with the verb 感兴趣 (gǎn xìngqù), which means 'to be interested in.' For example, instead of saying '我有兴趣音乐' (Wǒ yǒu xìngqù yīnyuè), you should say '我对音乐感兴趣' (Wǒ duì yīnyuè gǎn xìngqù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兴趣
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Common Confusions with 兴趣
兴趣vs兴
xīng
Shares the radical 兴 but has a different meaning.
兴趣vs趣
qù
Similar sound but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "interest (desire to know about sth)"?
or
Cultural Notes for 兴趣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, having diverse 兴趣 is often seen as a positive trait, reflecting an individual's openness to learning and personal development. It is common for people to discuss their 兴趣 during social gatherings to find common ground.
Frequently Asked Questions about 兴趣
To express your interests in Chinese, you can use the phrase '我对...感兴趣' (Wǒ duì... gǎn xìngqù), which translates to 'I am interested in...'. Just fill in the blank with what you are interested in, like a hobby, a subject, or an activity.
兴趣 (xìngqù) refers to a general interest or curiosity about something, while 爱好 (àihào) specifically means 'hobby' or something you enjoy doing regularly. For example, you might have 兴趣 in history but your 爱好 could be painting. Understanding this distinction can help you express your preferences more accurately.
兴趣 (xìngqù) means 'interest' in Chinese. It refers to a feeling of curiosity or a desire to know or learn about something. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as discussing hobbies, preferences, or any subject that captures someone's attention.
You can use 兴趣 in a sentence to express what you are interested in. For example, you might say: '我对学习中文很有兴趣' (Wǒ duì xuéxí zhōngwén hěn yǒu xìngqù), which means 'I am very interested in learning Chinese.' This structure helps you convey your interests clearly.
You can say '我对音乐有兴趣' (Wǒ duì yīnyuè yǒu xìngqù), meaning 'I have an interest in music.'
No, 兴趣 specifically denotes something you find interesting or appealing, not something you dislike.
Generally, yes, as it implies a desire to engage; however, it can be used in contexts where a person's interest is in something negative, like a 'curiosity' about a troubling topic.
