How to Say “Hobbies” in Spanish

pasatiempos
/pasatjempos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'hobbies' is translated into Spanish as pasatiempos.
This phrase refers to activities done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. When discussing interests, you might use the verb leer (to read), bailar (to dance), pintar (to paint) or tocar (to play an instrument). Other related terms include fotografía (photography), cámara (camera) and paisaje (landscape).

What does it mean word for word?

The word pasatiempos is a compound of pasar (to pass) and tiempos (times), literally meaning 'pastimes'.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

While pasatiempos is a common way to refer to hobbies, you can use aficiones in more formal or structured contexts, such as on a CV or a formal profile. To say 'My hobbies include…' formally, you can use Mis aficiones incluyen… In casual conversation, especially among younger generations in many Spanish-speaking countries, the English word 'hobbies' is frequently used.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Spain, it is common to use the term aficiones to refer to hobbies. In Spain, the phrase me mola is used to mean 'I'm into', whereas in Argentina, people often use the phrase me copa to mean the same thing. For an informal way to say 'I'm crazy about…', you can use Me flipa…

How does it change in a sentence?

The singular form of the word is pasatiempo.

How do you pronounce it?

/pasatjempos/

Did you know?

  • In many Spanish newspapers and magazines, pasatiempos refers specifically to the puzzle section featuring crosswords and sudoku.
  • The term aficiones is derived from the Latin affectio, which relates to emotion and affection rather than just the passing of time.
  • While pasatiempos describes an activity, the word afición is closely linked to the word aficionado, describing a person's passion or deep devotion to a subject.

Examples in context

  • ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?
    What are your hobbies?
    This sentence is useful for asking about someone's hobbies.
    Tatoeba #3106484 by marcelostockle, translation #2646222 by CK
  • Esquiar es uno de mis pasatiempos.
    Skiing is one of my hobbies.
    This sentence is useful for stating one of your hobbies.
    Tatoeba #1293193 by marcelostockle, translation #9794520 by DJ_Saidez
  • ¿Cuáles son algunos de sus pasatiempos?
    What are some of your hobbies?
    Tatoeba #9057933 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9057934 by rafaeldejesus8199
  • Mis aficiones incluyen la lectura y el senderismo.
    My hobbies include reading and hiking.
  • Me flipa el cine y salir a bailar.
    I'm crazy about movies and going out dancing.
  • Me encanta la pintura y jugar al fútbol.
    I love painting and playing soccer.
  • Soy un apasionado de la cocina tailandesa y la fotografía.
    I'm passionate about Thai cuisine and photography.
  • Jugar al fútbol
    To play soccer
  • Bailar salsa
    To dance salsa
  • Pintar al óleo
    To paint with oil
  • Cocinar
    To cook
  • 5 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Lucía and Alejandro are chatting at a coffee shop.

  1. Lucía

    Tengo muchos pasatiempos nuevos.
    I have many new hobbies.
  2. Alejandro

    ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos favoritos, Lucía?
    What are your favorite hobbies, Lucía?
  3. Lucía

    Me encanta la pintura.
    I love painting.
  4. Alejandro

    Ese es un pasatiempo muy relajante.
    That is a very relaxing hobby.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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Jonathon Brayden
Jonathon BraydenHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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