1Interesting or intriguing; arousing intellectual curiosity. Said of a topic, story, or idea that draws you in.
その本は面白い視点から歴史を説明している。
That book explains history from an interesting point of view.
先生の話はいつも面白くて、つい聞き入ってしまう。
The teacher's talks are always so interesting that I can't help listening intently.
新しい研究には面白い発見がいくつも含まれていた。
The new study contained a number of interesting findings.
それは面白いアイデアだね、もっと詳しく聞かせて。
That's an interesting idea — tell me more about it.
2Amusing or funny; comical, causing laughter. Said of jokes, performances, and the like.
彼の冗談はいつも面白くて、みんなが大笑いした。
His jokes are always funny, and everyone burst out laughing.
あの芸人、めちゃくちゃ面白いよね。
That comedian is hilarious, isn't he?
子どもの言い間違いが面白くて、つい笑ってしまった。
The child's slip of the tongue was so funny that I couldn't help laughing.
3Enjoyable or fun; entertaining and satisfying to experience. Said of activities, events, and outings.
昨日のパーティーは思った以上に面白かった。
Yesterday's party was more fun than I expected.
週末は友だちとゲームをして面白い時間を過ごした。
I had a fun time playing games with friends over the weekend.
このゲーム、やってみると意外と面白いよ。
This game is surprisingly fun once you try it.
4Favourable or desirable — but almost always used in the negative (面白くない) to mean 'not promising' or 'not good'.
今のところ、彼女の容態は面白くない。
At present, her condition is not encouraging.
その計画は資金面で面白くないと言わざるを得ない。
I have to say that plan is not promising in financial terms.