Japanese Symbol for

情熱

jōnetsu

passion · enthusiasm · zeal

Readings

  • 情 ONジョウ・セイjō / sei
  • 情 KUNなさ(け)nasa-ke (sympathy)
  • 熱 ONネツnetsu
  • 熱 KUNあつ(い)atsu-i (hot)

Meaning

Passion, enthusiasm, zeal, ardor. 情熱 combines 情 (feeling, emotion, heart) with 熱 (heat, fever, enthusiasm) — literally "hot feelings," or burning emotional energy.

Example words

情

jō

feelings, emotion, passion

激情

gekijō

violent emotion, passion, fury

熱意

netsui

enthusiasm, zeal, ardor

情熱的

jōnetsu-teki

passionate, fervent

愛欲

aiyoku

passion, sexual desire, attachment

感動

kandō

being deeply moved, passion, impression

情 (jō) is a deeply layered word in Japanese culture. 人情 (ninjō — human feeling/compassion) and 義理 (giri — duty/obligation) are central tensions in Japanese drama, literature, and daily life — the push-pull between what the heart wants and what duty demands.

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