hobby
/ˈɔb.bi/masculine
The English phrase 'hobby' can be translated into Italian using hobby or passatempo.
Meaning: activity done for enjoyment in spare time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hobby | /ˈɔb.bi/ | masculine |
| passatempo | /ˌpas.saˈtɛm.po/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to an activity done for enjoyment in one's spare time. While you can use the English loanword, you might also use the concept of piacere (pleasure) to express the idea of a hobby.
What does it mean word for word?
The native Italian word passatempo is a compound of passare (to pass) and tempo (time), literally meaning 'pastime'.
Which one should you use?
hobby is a commonly used loanword, whereas passatempo is the native Italian word used to mean a pastime or a way to pass the time.
How does it change in a sentence?
The English loanword hobby is an invariable noun, which means it does not change its form when referring to multiple hobbies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɔb.bi/. The word has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While passatempo is the direct translation for 'pastime', Italians often use the phrase tempo libero (free time) to discuss their leisure activities. It is quite common to say 'Cosa fai nel tuo tempo libero?' instead of asking specifically for a hobby.
- In Italian, passatempo is often used for activities that are purely to avoid boredom, whereas hobby often implies a more dedicated or skill-based pursuit.
- The word passatempo can describe both a leisurely activity and a physical object used to kill time, such as a puzzle or a game.
Examples in context
- È il suo hobby.It is his hobby.This sentence shows how to use hobby to state someone's interest.Tatoeba #9724148 by Guybrush88, translation #9719856 by ariarin
- Hai un hobby, Tom?Do you have a hobby, Tom?This sentence is a way to ask someone if they have a hobby.Tatoeba #3555594 by Guybrush88, translation #3555462 by CK
- Ti serve un hobby.You need a hobby.This sentence uses hobby to say that someone needs an activity to enjoy.Tatoeba #6552996 by Guybrush88, translation #6547700 by CK
- La mia passione è la musica.My hobby is music.
- Il mio interesse principale è lo sport.My main hobby is sports.
- Gioco a calcio.I play soccer.
- Amo leggere romanzi.I love reading novels.
- Mi piace disegnare paesaggi.I enjoy drawing landscapes.
- Sono appassionato/a di fotografia.I am passionate about photography.
- Mi piace tantissimo suonare la chitarra.I really enjoy playing the guitar.
- Pratico nuoto con entusiasmo.I enthusiastically practice swimming.
- Mi piace cucinare pasta all'arrabbiata come una mamma italiana!I enjoy cooking pasta all'arrabbiata like an Italian mom!
- Quando guardo un film di Fellini, mi sento ispirato/a per il mio teatro amatoriale.When I watch a Fellini movie, it inspires me for my amateur theater hobby.
- 138 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their free time at a cafe.
- MatteoHai un nuovo hobby, Martina?Do you have a new hobby, Martina?
- MartinaSì, il mio nuovo hobby è la ceramica.Yes, my new hobby is ceramics.
- MatteoÈ un hobby molto rilassante.It is a very relaxing hobby.
- MartinaSì, mi piace molto farlo.Yes, I like doing it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hobby” translations and entries hobby, passatempo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
