اهتمام
ihtimam
The English phrase 'interest' can be translated into Arabic as اهتمام (ihtimam).
اهتمام refers to something that one is interested in.
Meaning: something one is interested in (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word اهتمام is derived from the root هـ م م (h-m-m), which relates to concern, care or preoccupation.
Which one should you use?
While اهتمام means interest in the sense of attention or care, it is not used to mean 'financial interest' (as in banking), which would be فائدة. Additionally, the word انتباه is used to convey the meaning of interest specifically referring to paying attention.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun اهتمام is typically followed by the preposition بـ (bi-) to express interest in something.
How do you pronounce it?
ihtimam
Did you know?
- The root هـ م م shared by اهتمام also gives us the word هم (hamm), which means 'worry' or 'burden'. In Arabic, the line between being deeply interested in something and being preoccupied or burdened by it is linguistically very thin.
- The root هـ م م is also linked to the word همّة (himma), which means 'ambition' or 'high resolve'. This suggests that in the Arabic mindset, true interest is closely tied to the drive to achieve a goal.
- While اهتمام describes an interest or hobby, the word for financial interest, فائدة, literally means 'benefit' or 'profit'. This reflects a cultural and linguistic framing of interest as a gain rather than a cost.
Examples in context
- هل لديك أي اهتمام بالرياضة؟Do you have any interest in sports?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has any interest in sports using اهتمام.Tatoeba #1580629 by Amastan, translation #51634 by CK
- لم يكن تجدّد اهتمام فاضل بليلى بمحض الصدفة.Fadil's renewed interest in Layla was no accident.This sentence shows how to describe a renewed interest in a person using اهتمام.Tatoeba #6445202 by OsoHombre, translation #5839062 by OsoHombre
- اهتمامي مُنصَبٌّ على المستقبل لأني سأقضي باقي حياتي هناك.My interest is in the future because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there.This sentence demonstrates how to state what one's interest is focused on using اهتمام.Tatoeba #607909 by Samer, translation #2286 by mrtaistoi
- لدي اهتمام كبير بالآثار القديمةI have a great interest in ancient artifacts.
- عندي حب كبير للفن التشكيليI have a great interest in visual arts.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omar and Sara are discussing their hobbies.
- عمر Omarما هو اهتمامك المفضل يا سارة؟Ma huwa ihtimamuki al-mufaddal ya Sara?What is your favorite interest, Sara?
- سارة Saraلدي اهتمام كبير بالقراءة والرسم.Ladayya ihtimam kabir bil-qira'a wal-rasm.I have a great interest in reading and drawing.
- عمر Omarهذا رائع، أنا أيضاً أحب الرسم.Hadha ra'i', ana aydan uhibbu al-rasm.That's great, I love drawing too.
- سارة Saraهل هذا اهتمام قديم بالنسبة لك؟Hal hadha ihtimam qadim bin-nisba laka?Is this an old interest for you?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
