Inklingo

How to Say "keen" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “keen” is “interesado” — use 'interesado' when someone is enthusiastic or showing a strong interest in a topic, hobby, or activity..

English → Spanish

interesado

een-teh-reh-SAH-doh/in.te.reˈsa.ðo/

adjectiveA2
Use 'interesado' when someone is enthusiastic or showing a strong interest in a topic, hobby, or activity.
A young child with wide, attentive eyes leaning slightly forward, showing great curiosity as they examine a small, colorful object on the ground.

Examples

Mi hijo está muy interesado en la historia de los dinosaurios.

My son is very interested in the history of dinosaurs.

¿Estás interesado en venir a la fiesta este sábado?

Are you keen on coming to the party this Saturday?

Using 'Interesado' with Prepositions

When you say what you are interested IN, you almost always use the preposition 'en' (in): 'Estoy interesado en el libro'.

Mixing up 'Interesado' and 'Interesante'

Mistake: “El libro es muy interesado. (Incorrect)”

Correction: El libro es muy interesante. (Correct). 'Interesado' describes the person feeling the interest; 'interesante' describes the thing that causes the interest.

ansioso

/ahn-SYOH-soh//anˈsjo.so/

adjectiveB1
Use 'ansioso' when you are eager or impatient to do something, anticipating it with excitement.
A puppy sitting excitedly by a closed red door, leaning forward with its tail wagging vigorously, clearly eager to go outside.

Examples

Estoy ansioso por empezar mis vacaciones en la playa.

I am eager to start my beach vacation.

Los niños estaban ansiosos de abrir sus regalos.

The children were keen (or impatient) to open their presents.

Positive Anticipation

When 'ansioso' means 'eager,' it often describes a positive or exciting feeling, even though the root word 'ansiedad' (anxiety) is usually negative.

aficionado

/ah-fee-thyo-NAH-doh//afiθjoˈnaðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'aficionado' to describe someone who is a fan or hobbyist, implying interest but not necessarily professional skill.
A person sitting on a stool in a garden, painting on a small canvas with a basic palette.

Examples

Juan es un fotógrafo aficionado, pero sus fotos son increíbles.

Juan is an amateur photographer, but his photos are incredible.

Él es muy aficionado a la cocina italiana.

He is very fond of Italian cooking.

Describing People

Use this word after a noun to describe someone's hobby level (e.g., 'músico aficionado').

fina

/fee-nah//ˈfina/

adjectiveB2
Use 'fina' to describe a keen sense or perception, like sharp eyesight, hearing, or intuition.
A fox with large ears alertly listening in a forest.

Examples

Tienes una puntería muy fina con el arco.

You have a very sharp aim with the bow.

Su audición es tan fina que oye hasta el más mínimo ruido.

Her hearing is so keen that she hears even the smallest noise.

sutil

/soo-TEEL//suˈtil/

adjectiveC1
Use 'sutil' for a keen mind or observation that is clever, insightful, and perceptive of nuances.
A small fox with bright, intelligent eyes looking curiously at a complex puzzle made of wooden blocks.

Examples

Es un observador sutil de la realidad política.

He is a keen observer of political reality.

Su análisis sutil reveló problemas que nadie más vio.

His sharp analysis revealed problems that no one else saw.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one thing, add -es to the end: 'sutiles'.

Interest vs. Eagerness

Learners often confuse 'interesado' (interested/enthusiastic) with 'ansioso' (eager/impatient). Remember, 'interesado' is about liking something, while 'ansioso' is about wanting to do it soon.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.