mon passe-temps
In French, the phrase for "my hobby" is mon passe-temps.
The phrase mon passe-temps is used to describe a specific activity that a person does for pleasure during their free time. However, in natural conversation, French speakers often prefer to name the activity directly or use the phrase Mes loisirs sont… instead of using mon passe-temps.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun passe-temps is a compound noun that literally means "past time" or "passing time".
Which one should you use?
While mon passe-temps refers to a specific activity, mon loisir is a more general term used to refer to leisure or free time activities. For more casual ways to express similar ideas, you can use the informal Mon truc (my thing) or Ce que j'aime faire (what I like to do).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express "my hobbies" in the plural, use mes passe-temps.
Did you know?
- While passe-temps describes an activity, the word loisir comes from the Latin licere, meaning 'to be permitted'.
- The word passe-temps was once used to describe a specific type of short, lighthearted piece of music or a playful diversion intended to kill time.
- The word temps is used in passe-temps to mean 'time' and 'duration', but it is also the same word used for 'weather'.
Examples in context
- La pêche est mon passe-temps.My hobby is fishing.This sentence is useful for saying that fishing is your hobby using mon passe-temps.Tatoeba #2124314 by pierrephi, translation #251137 by darckense
- Mon passe-temps est la lecture.My hobby is reading.This sentence is useful for saying that reading is your hobby using mon passe-temps.Tatoeba #1259598 by sacredceltic, translation #1258651 by CK
- Mon passe-temps est la cuisine.My hobby is to cook.This sentence is useful for saying that cooking is your hobby using mon passe-temps.Tatoeba #1259601 by sacredceltic, translation #251152 by Lumi
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are talking about their free time activities.
- ManonQuel est ton passe-temps favori ?What is your favorite hobby?
- LucasMon passe-temps est le dessin.My hobby is drawing.
- ManonC'est très relaxant, n'est-ce pas ?It is very relaxing, isn't it?
- LucasOui, j'adore faire ça.Yes, I love doing that.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
