What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'what to you pleases to do in order to amuse yourself?'
Which one should you use?
While ¿qué te gusta hacer para divertirte? specifically mentions doing things 'for fun', you can use the shorter version ¿qué te gusta hacer? to ask about hobbies in general. You may also use ¿cuáles son tus pasatiempos? to be more direct when asking specifically about someone's hobbies.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can use ¿Qué te gusta hacer para divertirte? In Latin America, you might say ¿Qué te gusta hacer para pasar el rato? or ¿Cuál es tu hobby preferido?
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask a group of people what they like to do for fun, use the plural forms ¿qué les gusta hacer para divertirse? by using 'les' and 'divertirse'. When speaking formally, use the form with 'le' and 'divertirse' instead of 'te' and 'divertirte'.
Did you know?
- The word hacer comes from the Latin 'facere', making it a distant relative of the English word 'factory'.
- In Spanish, the concept of 'fun' in divertirte is linked to the idea of 'turning' or 'diverting' one's attention away from routine.
- While divertirse means 'to have fun', it shares a root with the English word 'diversion', which originally meant turning one's attention away from a routine task.
Examples in context
- Si no hay trabajo, ¿qué te gusta hacer para divertirte?If you aren't working, what do you like to do for fun?
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting at a cafe.
- MateoOye María, ¿qué te gusta hacer para divertirte?Hey María, what do you like to do for fun?
- MaríaMe gusta mucho leer y salir a caminar.I really like to read and go for walks.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! A mí también me gusta caminar.That's great! I like walking too.
- MaríaPodemos ir al parque un día de estos.We can go to the park one of these days.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, para, qué, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
