afición
/afiˈθjon/feminine
The English phrase 'hobby' is translated into Spanish as afición. Wiktionary also lists hobby and jobi.
Meaning: activity done for enjoyment in spare time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| afición | /afiˈθjon/ /afiˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| hobby | /ˈxobi/ | masculine |
| jobi | /ˈxobi/ | South America, masculine |
All these terms refer to an activity done for enjoyment in one's spare time.
Which one should you use?
afición is the more traditional and formal Spanish word, whereas the anglicism hobby is used more frequently in casual contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
afición is considered a formal way to say 'hobby'. In contrast, the loanword hobby is commonly used in informal, everyday Spanish conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
jobi is a regional variation used in parts of South America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine noun afición is aficiones.
How do you pronounce it?
/afiˈθjon/
Did you know?
- While afición means 'hobby', its doublet afección has evolved to mean a medical condition or 'affection' in a pathological sense.
- If you use the word afición in a sports context, it can refer to the collective group of fans in a stadium, similar to saying 'the supporters'.
- The term aficionado entered the English language in the 19th century, meaning it is actually a Spanish loanword used to describe a connoisseur.
Examples in context
- Su hobby es jugar tenis.Playing tennis is his hobby.This sentence is useful for using the word hobby.Tatoeba #1352957 by marcelostockle, translation #39381 by CK
- Mi afición es la música.My hobby is music.This sentence is useful for using the word afición.Tatoeba #1642043 by marcelostockle, translation #251133 by CK
- Mi hobby es la numismática.My hobby is collecting coins.Tatoeba #992135 by hayastan, translation #251129 by CK
- Practicar deporte es mi principal afición.Playing sports is my main hobby.
- Disfruto del ocio pintando y dibujando.I enjoy my leisure time painting and drawing.
- Mi pasatiempo favorito es leer libros clásicos.My favorite hobby is reading classical books.
- ¿Cuál es tu afición favorita?What is your favorite hobby?
- ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?What do you like to do in your free time?
- Me gusta bailar salsa como pasatiempo.I enjoy salsa dancing as a hobby.
- Una de mis aficiones es coleccionar sellos.One of my hobbies is stamp collecting.
- Me encanta el ocio creativo, como pintar y hacer manualidades.I love creative leisure activities, like painting and crafting.
- ¡Qué coincidencia! También me gusta tocar la guitarra.What a coincidence! I also enjoy playing the guitar.
- Me encanta leer. ¿Tienes algún libro recomendado?I love reading. Do you have any book recommendations?
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about their free time at a cafe.
- Alejandro¿Tienes alguna afición especial, Elena?Do you have any special hobby, Elena?
- ElenaSí, mi afición es la pintura.Yes, my hobby is painting.
- Alejandro¡Qué bien! Yo no tengo ninguna afición.That's great! I don't have any hobby.
- ElenaDeberías buscar una para relajarte.You should look for one to relax.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hobby” translations and entries afición, hobby, jobi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
