mon passe-temps préféré
In French, "my favourite hobby" is expressed as mon passe-temps préféré.
This phrase is used to describe an activity that a person enjoys doing in their spare time more than any other.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from mon (my), passe-temps (literally 'pass time') and préféré (preferred/favourite).
Which one should you use?
While mon passe-temps préféré is a direct translation, French speakers often use the word passion to express a deep interest or hobby. You can also use mon loisir préféré as a synonym when referring to leisure activities.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the hobby is a feminine noun, use ma passion préférée (my favourite passion/hobby). To express "my favourite hobbies" in the plural, use mes passe-temps préférés.
Did you know?
- The word mon likely inherited influence from the Gaulish word mon, a Celtic language spoken in France before the Roman conquest.
- The word loisir in mon loisir préféré comes from the Latin licere, meaning 'to be permitted'.
- The term passe-temps can be used figuratively in French to describe something that is trivial or merely a way to kill time, rather than a serious pursuit.
Examples in context
- La lecture est mon passe-temps préféré.Reading is my favourite hobby.
- C'est mon passe-temps préféré depuis l'enfance.It has been my favourite hobby since childhood.
- Le dessin est mon passe-temps préféré.Drawing is my favourite hobby.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are talking about their interests at a cafe.
- NathanQuel est ton passe-temps préféré, Léa ?What is your favourite hobby, Léa?
- LéaC'est la photographie.It is photography.
- NathanC'est génial ! Moi, mon passe-temps préféré est la cuisine.That's great! As for me, my favourite hobby is cooking.
- LéaAh, c'est une passion très utile !Ah, that is a very useful passion!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mon, passe-temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
