趣味は何ですか？
shumi wa nan desu ka?
趣味は何ですか？ (shumi wa nan desu ka?) is the Japanese phrase for "what is your hobby?"
This phrase is a question used to ask someone what activities they enjoy doing in their free time. While grammatically correct, asking what is your hobby? directly can sometimes feel a bit formal or like an interview question in natural Japanese conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 趣味 (shumi) literally means 'hobby'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase 趣味は何？ is an informal way to ask the question by dropping the polite copula and question particle. In casual conversation with friends, you can also shorten the phrase to 趣味は何？ (shumi wa nani?).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
趣味は何ですか？ is a standard and polite form suitable for strangers or acquaintances. For a more polite way to ask someone to share their hobby with you, you can use 趣味をお聞かせください (Please tell me your hobby).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 趣味は何ですか？, the particle は (wa) marks 趣味 (hobby) as the topic of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
shumi wa nan desu ka?
When do people say it?
A standard way to answer this question is to use the pattern 趣味は[Activity]です (shumi wa [Activity] desu), which means 'My hobby is [Activity]'.
Did you know?
- The word 趣味 (shumi) is also used in Japanese to describe someone's sense of taste or aesthetic. If you say someone has 趣味がいい 'good shumi', you are complimenting their stylish fashion or decor rather than their pastimes.
- For lifelong pursuits that combine art with discipline, such as martial arts or calligraphy, Japanese uses the term 道 'dō', meaning 'the way', rather than the word for 'hobby'.
- While English speakers use 'hobby' broadly, Japanese speakers often distinguish between casual interests and 習い事 'naraigoto', which are hobbies specifically pursued through formal lessons or instruction.
Examples in context
- 趣味は何ですか？Shumi wa nan desu ka?What is your hobby?
- 田中さんの趣味は何ですか？Tanaka-san no shumi wa nan desu ka?What is Mr. Tanaka's hobby?
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are chatting at a party.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さん、趣味は何ですか？Yota-san, shumi wa nan desu ka?Yota, what is your hobby?
- 陽太 Yota僕は映画を見ることが好きです。Boku wa eiga o miru koto ga suki desu.I like watching movies.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね！どんな映画が好きですか？Ii desu ne! Donna eiga ga suki desu ka?That's nice! What kind of movies do you like?
- 陽太 Yotaアクション映画が一番好きです。Akushon eiga ga ichiban suki desu.I like action movies the most.
