interest
word
/ˈɪntɝəst/
IN-trest
/ˈɪntɹəst/
IN-trest
Definition
Interest is the feeling of wanting to know, learn, or hear more about something. It can also mean money paid for borrowing money, usually as a percentage.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in both everyday and financial English. Use 'be interested in' for personal curiosity, 'show interest in' for visible attention, and 'pay/charge interest' in money contexts. Don't confuse 'interest' with 'curiosity': 'interest' is broader and more neutral.
Spanish: interésPortuguese (BR): interesse - jurosPortuguese (PT): interesse - jurosChinese (Simplified): 兴趣 - 利息Chinese (Traditional): 興趣 - 利息Hindi: रुचि - ब्याजArabic: اهتمام - فائدةBengali: আগ্রহ - সুদRussian: интерес - процент (финансы)Japanese: 興味 - 利子Vietnamese: sự quan tâm - lãi suấtKorean: 관심 - 이자Turkish: ilgi - faizUrdu: دلچسپی - سود (مالی)Indonesian: minat - bunga
Example Sentences
My savings account earns a little interest every month.
natural
I have an interest in music.
basic
The bank charges 5% interest on the loan.
basic
Her face showed no interest.
basic
He lost interest halfway through the movie.
natural
Thanks for your interest, but we've already hired someone.
natural