สนใจ
be interested in
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 be interested in、be curious about、show interest in
This is a basic word for having your mind directed toward something, whether because you are interested in it, care about it, or are paying attention to it.
be interested in、be curious about、show interest in
Used when someone is interested in a person, thing, topic, field, offer, or opportunity. It can also mean being interested enough to consider buying, joining, applying, and so on.
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ฉันสนใจภาษาไทย chǎn sǒncay phaasǎa thay I’m interested in Thai. ฉันสนใจภาษาไทย details
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เขาไม่สนใจฉันเลย khǎw mây sǒncay chǎn ləəy He doesn't care about me at all. เขาไม่สนใจฉันเลย details
Learning notes
Explanation
สนใจ is easy to understand as “the mind turning toward something.” The basic pattern is สนใจ + object, as in สนใจภาษาไทย “be interested in Thai” or สนใจเรื่องการเมือง “be interested in politics.” With actions, สนใจที่จะ... is also common, especially when talking about applying, buying, joining, or considering an offer.
Usage
It is common in conversations about hobbies, study, work, news, products, events, and opportunities. In ads and notices, ถ้าสนใจ... “if interested...” is a standard phrase. It is also used in relationships to talk about whether someone cares or pays attention.
Caution
ไม่สนใจ can simply mean “not interested” for things, but with people it may sound like “doesn’t care” or “ignores.” Do not treat it as interchangeable with ชอบ “like” or อยาก “want to,” because สนใจ focuses on interest or attention rather than liking or desire.
Differences from similar words
1 be interested in synonyms
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ชอบ means to like something. สนใจ focuses more on interest, curiosity, or willingness to engage, whether or not the person already likes it.
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อยาก expresses wanting to do something. สนใจ can be used at an earlier stage, when someone is interested or considering something but has not necessarily decided to do it.