passe-temps
/pas.tɑ̃/masculine
The English phrase hobby is translated into French as passe-temps. Wiktionary also lists hobby.
Meaning: activity done for enjoyment in spare time (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| passe-temps | /pas.tɑ̃/ /pɑs.tɑ̃/ |
masculine |
| hobby | /ɔ.bi/ | masculine |
A hobby refers to an activity done for enjoyment in one's spare time. You can use the phrase activité de détente to specifically emphasize that a hobby is a relaxing activity. Common examples of hobbies include le bricolage (DIY crafts), le jardinage (gardening), le dessin (drawing) and la lecture (reading).
Which one should you use?
While passe-temps is the standard French term, the English loanword hobby is also frequently used in casual, modern French conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word passe-temps is invariable in its spelling, meaning it does not change whether it is singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/pas.tɑ̃/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, passe-temps can be used pejoratively to describe a trivial activity that lacks seriousness or professional ambition.
- When talking about a collection-based hobby, French speakers often use the word collectionneur or passionné rather than focusing on the word for 'hobby' itself.
- In French, if you describe a person as having un passe-temps de luxe, it implies their hobby is an expensive or elitist pursuit.
Examples in context
- As-tu un passe-temps ?Do you have a hobby?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they have a hobby using passe-temps.Tatoeba #1289593 by sacredceltic, translation #1289589 by al_ex_an_der
- A-t-elle un passe-temps ?Does she have a hobby?This sentence is useful for asking if a female subject has a hobby using passe-temps.Tatoeba #1526090 by sacredceltic, translation #312778 by CH
- Quel est ton passe-temps ?What's your hobby?This sentence is useful for asking someone what their hobby is using passe-temps.Tatoeba #1308856 by sacredceltic, translation #594511 by CK
- Mon passe-temps préféré est la lecture de romans classiques.My favorite hobby is reading classical novels.
- Les activités de loisir peuvent varier d'une personne à une autre.Hobbies can vary from one person to another.
- Ma passion, c'est le basketball. Je joue régulièrement avec mes amis le week-end.My hobby is basketball. I play regularly with my friends on the weekends.
- Quel est ton passe-temps favori?What is your favorite hobby?
- Tu as une passion particulière?Do you have a specific hobby?
- Qu'est-ce qui te détend?What relaxes you?
- 89 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about their weekends.
- HugoLe jardinage est mon passe-temps préféré.Gardening is my favorite hobby.
- LéaC'est super ! Et moi, j'aime lire.That's great! As for me, I love reading.
- HugoEst-ce que tu as un autre passe-temps ?Do you have another hobby?
- LéaOui, je fais du yoga le samedi.Yes, I do yoga on Saturdays.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hobby” translations and entries passe-temps, hobby, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
