15 Phrases for Talking About Hobbies
Hobbies are a fantastic topic for conversation! They are fun, positive, and they help you make connections with new people. Whether you are at a party, meeting a new colleague, or chatting online, knowing how to ask about and describe your free-time activities is essential. Mastering these 15 phrases for talking about hobbies will make you feel confident and fluent when sharing your interests.
We will cover phrases for asking about hobbies, explaining what you do, and describing how often you do them.
Asking About and Sharing Interests
This list provides 15 phrases for talking about hobbies, grouped by function so you know exactly when to use them.
Asking About Hobbies (Starting the Topic)
Use these questions when you want to learn what someone enjoys doing in their free time.
1. What do you like to do in your free time? This is the most common and standard way to ask about hobbies in a general way. It’s polite and direct.
- Meaning: Asking for the person’s general leisure activities.
- Example: “I’ve told you about my job. What do you like to do in your free time?“
2. Do you have any hobbies? This is very clear and works well in formal or interview settings.
- Meaning: Asking directly for their interests.
- Example: “When you’re not working, do you have any hobbies?“
3. What are you passionate about? This is a deeper question, often leading to more interesting answers about serious interests (like volunteering or creating art) rather than just casual activities.
- Meaning: Asking about activities that bring them deep fulfillment.
- Example: “It sounds like your work is challenging. What are you passionate about outside of the office?”
4. How do you relax/unwind? This phrase is excellent for checking the person’s work-life balance and learning about their calming activities (like reading or meditation).
- Meaning: Asking about their stress-relieving activities.
- Example: “After a busy week, how do you relax?“
5. What takes up most of your weekend? This is an indirect, casual way to ask about their free time without using the word ‘hobby.’ It works well with friends or colleagues.
- Meaning: Asking about their major time commitments outside of work.
- Example: “You seem busy. What takes up most of your weekend?“
Describing Your Hobbies
Use these phrases when you are responding to questions about your own interests.
6. I’m really into [Hobby]. “To be into something” means to really enjoy it. This is a very natural and common casual phrase.
- Meaning: Expressing a strong interest or enjoyment.
- Example: “I don’t play competitive sports, but I’m really into photography.“
7. I enjoy [Verb + -ing] and [Verb + -ing]. Use the structure “I enjoy” followed by the gerund (verb + -ing) for a clear and accurate grammatical response.
- Meaning: Stating your activities using correct verb form.
- Example: “I enjoy hiking and cooking new recipes.”
8. I’m a big fan of [Hobby]. This is used especially for activities that have followers, like sports, music, or films.
- Meaning: Expressing support for or devotion to a particular interest.
- Example: “I’m a big fan of old black-and-white movies.“
9. I spend a lot of time [Verb + -ing]. This phrase communicates that the hobby is significant and time-consuming in your life.
- Meaning: Indicating the hobby requires a large commitment of time.
- Example: “I spend a lot of time reading history books and articles online.”
10. My main hobby is [Hobby]. This is a direct and simple answer, especially if you have one major interest.
- Meaning: Stating your primary leisure activity.
- Example: “My main hobby is playing the guitar. I practice every evening.”
Describing Frequency and Involvement
Use these phrases to add detail about how often you engage in the hobby or your level of skill.
11. I try to do that every [Time Period]. Use this to describe a regular, consistent frequency.
- Meaning: Describing a planned regularity.
- Example: “I love painting. I try to do that every Saturday morning.“
12. I mostly do that to unwind. This explains the purpose of the hobby (to relax) rather than the activity itself.
- Meaning: Explaining that the activity is for stress relief.
- Example: “Gardening is my quiet time. I mostly do that to unwind after work.”
13. I’ve been doing that for [Duration]. Use this phrase to show longevity and experience in the hobby.
- Meaning: Stating how long you have practiced the hobby.
- Example: “I’ve been doing that for over ten years now, so I’m quite good.”
14. It’s a good way to meet people. This explains the social benefit of the hobby, inviting further conversation.
- Meaning: Highlighting the social aspect of the activity.
- Example: “I joined a community running club. It’s a good way to meet people.“
15. I’m just starting out. If you are a beginner, this is a humble and honest way to set expectations and invite encouragement rather than comparison.
- Meaning: Admitting you are a beginner.
- Example: “I’m learning Spanish, but I’m just starting out with the basics.”
Real-Life Dialogues
See how these 15 phrases for talking about hobbies work in a conversation.
Scenario 1: Meeting a New Colleague Colleague: Work has been intense lately! How do you relax? You: I enjoy hiking and camping. I try to do that every Sunday morning. Colleague: That sounds nice! What takes up most of your weekend outside of that? You: Mostly just family time, but I’m also really into watching documentaries.
Scenario 2: At a Party Friend: I noticed you were wearing a music T-shirt. Do you have any hobbies? You: Yes! My main hobby is playing the guitar. I’ve been doing that for over ten years now. Friend: Wow! That’s a long time. You: It is! I mostly do that to unwind. What about you? What are you passionate about?
Quick Tips for Talking About Hobbies
- Be Enthusiastic: When using these 15 phrases for talking about hobbies, use positive body language and vocal tone to match the fun topic.
- Listen for Shared Interests: If someone says “I’m really into hiking,” respond by saying, “I can relate to that! I love hiking too,” to build connection.
- Use Action Verbs: When describing your hobby, remember to use the gerund form (Verb + -ing): I enjoy reading, I like cooking.
By practicing these 15 phrases for talking about hobbies, you will never run out of things to say in casual conversation and will easily make new friends.
What is the best phrase to use if you are a beginner at a new activity?
