1. जिज्ञासा (jijñāsā): This is the closest Sanskrit word to "curiosity" in the sense of a strong desire for knowledge or information. It implies an eagerness to inquire and learn.
2. कुतूहल (kutoohala): This word means "curiosity" in the sense of a playful or intrigued interest in something. It emphasizes the feeling of wonder and fascination.
3. उत्सुकता (utsūkatā): This word means "eagerness" or "keenness." It can be used to express a strong desire to know or experience something, similar to curiosity.
4. विस्मय (vismaya): This word means "amazement" or "wonder." It can also be used to express a feeling of awe or fascination, which is a component of curiosity.
5. ज्ञानचिन्ता (jñāna-cintā): This compound word literally means "thinking about knowledge." It refers to the desire to gain knowledge, which is a key aspect of curiosity.
6. जिज्ञासुता (jijñāsu-tā): This word means "the quality of being curious" or "curiosity." It is a more abstract term than the others.
The best Sanskrit word to use will depend on the specific context and the type of curiosity you want to convey.