趣味
shumi[ɕɨmʲi]
The Japanese word for "hobby" is 趣味 (shumi).
趣味 refers to an activity done for enjoyment in one's spare time. It can also be used to describe a person's taste or aesthetic preference, such as having good taste in art or clothing.
Meaning: activity done for enjoyment in spare time (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of having a hobby or possessing an interest, you can use the phrases 趣味がある (shumi ga aru) or 趣味を持つ (shumi o motsu).
How do you pronounce it?
shumi
Did you know?
- The kanji 趣 in 趣味 originally related to the 'flavor' or 'spirit' of a thing, suggesting that a hobby is not just a task but an appreciation of a certain essence.
- The concept of 'shumi' in Japan can sometimes overlap with 'oshikatsu', a modern term for 'supporting one's favorite' (like an idol or character), which is a more intense form of hobby culture.
- While English speakers use 'hobby' for almost any leisure activity, Japanese people often distinguish between 趣味 and 特技 ('tokugi'), which refers to a special skill or talent one possesses, even if it is enjoyed in spare time.
Examples in context
- 趣味は何ですか。What's your hobby?Tatoeba #148465 by tommy__san, translation #594511 by CK
- 私の趣味は読書だ。My hobby is reading.Tatoeba #163364 by bunbuku, translation #1258651 by CK
- 私の趣味は音楽だ。My hobby is music.Tatoeba #163378 by bunbuku, translation #251133 by CK
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Yota are talking about their free time.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんの趣味はなんですか。Yota-san no shumi wa nan desu ka.What is your hobby, Yota?
- 陽太 Yota料理が趣味です。Ryōri ga shumi desu.Cooking is my hobby.
- 陽葵 Himariすごいですね！何を作りますか。Sugoi desu ne! Nani o tsukurimasu ka.That's amazing! What do you make?
- 陽太 Yota主にパスタを作ります。Omo ni pasuta o tsukurimasu.I mainly make pasta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hobby” translations and entries 趣味, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
