1.
passionate; fervent; ardent
Describes a person, performance, or expression filled with strong, intense emotion — especially devotion, enthusiasm, or romantic feeling. Used in writing and formal speech more than casual conversation, and often describes speeches, performances, love, or dedication to a cause.
熱情的な演奏だった。
It was a passionate performance.
彼は熱情的に愛を語った。
He spoke of love with passion.
彼女の熱情的なスピーチに聴衆は感動した。
The audience was moved by her passionate speech.
Formed from 熱情 (ardor, passion) plus the adjective-forming suffix 〜的 ("-like," "-al"). The word evokes fervor that rises from deep inside the speaker or performer, often channeled into artistic expression, love, or a cause one believes in. It is bookish in register and appears more in written reviews, essays, and formal speech than in everyday conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 熱情的な演説: a passionate speech
- 熱情的な演奏: a passionate performance
- 熱情的な愛: passionate love
- 熱情的に語る: to speak with passion
- 熱情的に訴える: to appeal fervently
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 情熱的: passionate — by far the more common word in modern Japanese; near-synonym with slightly broader, warmer feel
- 熱烈な: fervent, ardent — emphasizes intensity and is often used for welcomes, support, or love
- 熱心な: eager, earnest — focuses on diligent dedication rather than emotional fire
- 激情的: impassioned, vehement — stresses violent, stormy emotion rather than positive ardor