Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| entusiasta | /entuˈsjasta/ |
| ardoroso | /aɾdoˈɾoso/ |
| interesado | /inteɾeˈsado/ |
| entusiasmado | /entusjasˈmado/ |
To express being keen, you can use adjectives that describe a person's passion or interest. The phrase tener ganas de is frequently used in colloquial situations when an English speaker would say they are 'keen to' do something. Additionally, the expression Con muchas ganas conveys a sense of enthusiasm or keenness.
Which one should you use?
While entusiasta implies a high level of passion, interesado is the more common and neutral way to express being 'keen' on something in a general sense. The form entusiasmado is specifically used as a past participle to describe a person's current state of being excited or enthusiastic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective entusiasta is invariable, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. The form entusiasmado functions as a past participle used as an adjective to describe a person's current state of being excited or enthusiastic.
How do you pronounce it?
/entuˈsjasta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using interesado, as it can mean 'self-serving' or 'having an ulterior motive' depending on the context, rather than just being 'interested'.
Did you know?
- The word entusiasta shares its roots with the concept of being 'inspired' by a deity, stemming from the Ancient Greek word for someone possessed by a god.
- The word ardoroso evokes a sense of 'burning' passion, reflecting a cultural linguistic tendency to associate intense keenness and desire with heat and fire.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the feeling of being 'keen' or enthusiastic is often expressed through the word ganas, which can be quantified as muchas ganas or pocas ganas.
Examples in context
- No estoy demasiado interesado en ello.I'm not too keen on it.This sentence shows how to express a lack of interest using interesado.Tatoeba #5140094 by albrusgher, translation #2980018 by Hybrid
- Él está muy interesado en los deportes.He's keen on sports.This sentence shows how to express a strong interest in sports using interesado.Tatoeba #5140051 by albrusgher, translation #2964254 by sacredceltic
- ¿Estás tú muy interesado en salir con ellos?Are you very keen about going with them?This sentence shows how to ask about someone's interest in an activity using interesado.Tatoeba #5146727 by albrusgher, translation #2751091 by sharptoothed
- Estoy interesado/a en participar en su proyecto.I am keen to participate in your project.
- Estoy ansioso/a por conocer más detalles acerca del proyecto.I am keen to learn more details about the project.
- Estoy con muchas ganas de ir al concierto mañana.I am keen to go to the concert tomorrow.
- Estoy interesado/a en unirme a su empresa debido a su compromiso con la innovación y el crecimiento.I am keen to join your company because of your commitment to innovation and growth.
- ¡Estoy con muchas ganas de salir de vacaciones y relajarme en la playa!I am keen to go on vacation and relax at the beach!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about a new hiking group.
- SofíaHay un grupo nuevo de senderismo, ¿estás entusiasta?There is a new hiking group, are you keen?
- MateoSí, soy muy entusiasta de explorar la montaña.Yes, I am very keen to explore the mountain.
- Sofía¡Genial! Mateo, entonces vamos este sábado.Great! Mateo, then let's go this Saturday.
- MateoPerfecto, me apunto ahora mismo.Perfect, I'll sign up right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keen” translations and entries entusiasta, ardoroso, interesado, entusiasmado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ardoroso, entusiasmado, entusiasta, interesado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
