loisirs
The English phrase "hobbies" is translated into French as loisirs.
loisirs is the standard term used when discussing leisure time or hobbies in a general context, such as on a CV or in a formal interview.
What does it mean word for word?
The word loisirs is the plural form of loisir, which literally means 'leisure'.
Which one should you use?
While loisirs refers to leisure activities in a general sense, passe-temps is a more direct translation for 'pastimes' or specific activities done to pass the time.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form loisir is rarely used to mean 'a hobby'. It is almost always used in the plural loisirs to refer to one's hobbies or leisure activities collectively.
Did you know?
- While loisirs covers hobbies, French has a specific word flâner for the hobby of strolling aimlessly through a city just to observe life. This 'art of wandering' is considered a quintessential part of French cultural identity.
- In French, describing someone as having 'beaucoup de loisirs' can sometimes imply they are 'idle' or 'have too much free time', rather than just being a person with many hobbies.
- If you are listing your interests on a formal French CV, it is often more elegant to use the heading Centres d'intérêt rather than Loisirs.
Examples in context
- Quels sont vos loisirs ?What are your hobbies?Tatoeba #10498874 by lbdx, translation #2646222 by CK
- Les loisirs sont importants pour moi.Hobbies are important to me.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing their free time at a cafe.
- LéaQuels sont tes loisirs, Gabriel ?What are your hobbies, Gabriel?
- GabrielJ'aime la lecture et le sport.I love reading and sports.
- LéaMoi, mes loisirs sont la musique et la danse.As for me, my hobbies are music and dancing.
- GabrielC'est très intéressant, Léa.That is very interesting, Léa.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
