爱好
The English phrase 'hobbies' is translated into Chinese as 爱好.
The term 爱好 is the most common way to say 'hobby' in Chinese and is a neutral term that is usable in both formal and informal contexts. You may also see the compound phrase 兴趣爱好, which is a common way to express 'hobbies' or 'interests' in a more complete way.
Which one should you use?
While 爱好 refers to specific hobbies or pastimes, the word 兴趣 refers more broadly to a general interest in a subject or activity. For a more formal or professional tone, you can use the term 业余爱好, which translates to 'recreational hobbies'. In informal conversations, you can also use the expression 喜欢的事情, which means 'things I like'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 爱好 can function as both a noun meaning 'hobby' and a verb meaning 'to be fond of' or 'to have a hobby of'.
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese internet slang, the word 坑 meaning 'hole' is used to describe a hobby that is addictive or consumes a lot of time and money.
- While 爱好 is a neutral term, describing someone as having a 癖好 implies a 'hobby' that is peculiar, eccentric or even slightly obsessive.
- If you want to sound more sophisticated, you might use the word 雅兴 (yǎxìng), which refers to 'refined interests' or 'elegant moods'. It implies a hobby that is culturally or artistically high-brow.
Examples in context
- 你的爱好是什么？What are your hobbies?This sentence is useful for asking someone what their hobbies are using 爱好.Tatoeba #2185225 by sadhen, translation #2646222 by CK
- 他有很多兴趣爱好。He has a lot of hobbies.This sentence shows how to say someone has many hobbies using 爱好.Tatoeba #8936656 by crescat, translation #301125 by CK
- 我的爱好是开车和弹吉他。My hobbies are driving and playing the guitar.This sentence demonstrates how to list your hobbies using 爱好.Tatoeba #7768337 by jiangche, translation #8249384 by francaisr0wlet
- 我有很多爱好I have many hobbies.
- 我有好多爱好I have lots of hobbies.
- 这是我喜欢做的事情This is something I like doing.
- 我喜欢阅读I enjoy reading.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting about their free time at a cafe.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你的爱好是什么？zǐ hán, nǐ de ài hào shì shén me?Zihan, what are your hobbies?
- 梓涵 Zihan我喜欢游泳和画画。wǒ xǐ huan yóu yǒng hé huà huà.I like swimming and drawing.
- 志强 Zhiqiang真棒！这些爱好很健康。zhēn bàng! zhè xiē ài hào hěn jiàn kāng.Great! Those hobbies are very healthy.
- 梓涵 Zihan志强，你呢？zhì qiáng, nǐ ne?How about you, Zhiqiang?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
