How to Say “In My Free Time” in Spanish

en mi tiempo libre
/en mi tjempo libɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "in my free time" is translated into Spanish as en mi tiempo libre.
en mi tiempo libre is used to describe activities that you do when you are not working or studying.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of en (in), mi (my), tiempo (time) and libre (free).

Which one should you use?

While en mi tiempo libre is the standard way to express this, en mi tiempo de ocio can be used to mean "in my leisure time."

Is it said differently in some regions?

In some regions, the variation En mis tiempos libres is used, similar to phrases like "en mis ratos libres" or "en mis momentos libres."

How does it change in a sentence?

You can place en mi tiempo libre either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence without changing the meaning.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid using en mi tiempo suelto based on a literal translation of "free". Instead, use the adjective libre to correctly describe free time.

Did you know?

  • The Spanish word tiempo is a double meaning word that describes both 'time' and 'weather'. Depending on the context, mal tiempo could mean 'bad times' or 'bad weather'.
  • In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'leisure' expressed by ocio can sometimes carry a negative connotation of idleness or laziness, unlike the neutral English term 'leisure'.
  • The word tiempo shares an ancient root with the English word 'temperature', as both stem from a concept of 'stretching' or 'extension' in time and space.

Examples in context

  • Escribo poemas en mi tiempo libre.
    I write poems in my free time.
    This sentence is useful for practicing the use of en mi tiempo libre.
    Tatoeba #948981 by hayastan, translation #256528 by CK
  • En mi tiempo libre escribo poesías.
    In my free time, I write poetry.
    This sentence demonstrates that you can place en mi tiempo libre at the beginning of a sentence.
    Tatoeba #4739438 by ianna, translation #4758151 by cairnhead
  • Juego al fútbol en mi tiempo libre.
    I play soccer in my free time.
  • Veo películas en mis momentos libres.
    I watch movies in my free moments.
  • Leo libros en mi tiempo de ocio.
    I read books in my leisure time.
  • Me gusta cocinar en mis ratos libres.
    I like to cook in my free time.
  • Disfruto practicando deportes en mi tiempo libre.
    I enjoy playing sports in my free time.
  • Me gusta pasar tiempo al aire libre en mi tiempo de ocio.
    I like spending time outdoors in my leisure time.
  • En mi tiempo libre, generalmente salgo con amigos.
    In my free time, I usually go out with friends.
  • Me encanta bailar salsa cuando estoy libre.
    I love dancing salsa when I am free.
  • En mis momentos libres, me relajo en la playa.
    In my free moments, I relax at the beach.
  • Me gusta mucho leer en mi tiempo libre.
    I really like to read in my free time.

Example conversation

Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.

  1. Daniel

    ¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre, Lucía?
    What do you do in your free time, Lucía?
  2. Lucía

    Normalmente voy al gimnasio.
    I normally go to the gym.
  3. Daniel

    ¡Qué bien! Yo prefiero descansar en mi tiempo libre.
    That's great! I prefer to rest in my free time.
  4. Lucía

    Daniel, eso también es muy bueno.
    Daniel, that is also very good.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, libre, mi, tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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Mia Bonnie
Mia BonnieHelp 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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