genuine interest

You usually pair this with verbs like show, have, or express. For example, you can show genuine interest in a friend's new hobby. It works as a noun phrase. You can say, "He has a genuine interest in ancient history." It sounds natural in both speech and writing. Use it to describe a deep, honest level of attention.

Use it when you want to emphasize that someone isn't being fake. It is perfect for job interviews to describe a candidate. Use it when talking about dating or making new friends. It is great for networking events too. If you are impressed by someone's curiosity, this is your go-to phrase. It works well when you are praising someone's listening skills.

Don't use it for small, unimportant things. You don't have genuine interest in what brand of paperclips someone uses. That sounds sarcastic or weirdly intense. Avoid it if the situation is very brief or shallow. Also, don't use it if you are actually bored. People can usually tell if you are lying! It is a 'heavy' phrase, so save it for meaningful connections.

In English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, 'active listening' is highly valued. Showing genuine interest is considered a key social skill. It is often taught in leadership and sales training. There is a famous book called 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' that focuses on this. It suggests that being interested is better than being interesting. This phrase captures that specific cultural value of sincere connection.

You might hear people say sincere interest or real curiosity. Sometimes people use true interest instead. If you want to be more casual, you might say someone is actually into it. However, genuine interest remains the most professional and clear version. It sounds a bit more sophisticated than just saying 'he likes it.' It implies a deeper level of engagement.