How to talk about hobbies
Everyone has a hobby! Something that they enjoy doing in their free time.
It is one of the most popular conversation topics, and a great way to ¨break the ice¨. We use the subject of hobbies to get to know each other, to find out what we have in common and to connect. It is a great way to become closer to someone as you learn about their passions, or even just a fun conversation to have! Here you will find some common questions and some useful vocabulary.
Break the ice: to do or say something to make people who have not met before feel more relaxed with each other.
Questions about hobbies:
- Do you have a lot of free time?
- Do you have any hobbies? What are they? What do you enjoy about them?
- How long have you had this hobby? How did you discover your hobby?
- Which hobbies are popular in Spain?
- Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies?
Useful vocabulary:
- In my opinion, I don’t know about other people but, personally I think, I have no doubt that, I really believe that, some people say, in my point of view, in my experience, I believe that, I am sure that, I have always found that, people often say.
- In my free/spare time, when I have time, when I can find time,
- I like to, I’m interested in, I’m keen on
- I’m into, I enjoy
- My hobbies are
Types of hobbies:
Card games, chess, camping, cinema, video games, eating out, cooking, watching TV, reading books, gardening, crosswords, browsing the internet, knitting, art/painting, music/playing musical instruments, puzzles, travelling, sports.
Why do you do/enjoy a particular hobby?
Keeps me fit, gets me out of the house, sociable, interesting, creative, practical, new skill, easy, difficult, cheap to do, affordable, always enjoyed, meet new people, build new relationships, alone-time, fun, informational, relaxing, different, unusual, time consuming, quiet, lifelong, outdoor, passionate, dangerous, safe, useful, satisfying, indoor, outdoor, seeing the world, new experiences, cultures.
Sample conversation:
A: Do you have a lot of free time?
B: Well I work a lot, but I have some spare time in the evenings and weekends.
A: Do you have any hobbies?
B: Yes, when I am not working and I have some free time I go running, browse the internet and watch movies.
A: Do you enjoy your hobbies? What do you enjoy about them?
B: Yes, my hobbies are very important to me! I love to stay fit, and be outdoors so I love to go running as much as I can. Browsing the internet is very informational helps me to stay up to date with current affairs, and learn new things. Movies are a great way to escape, and I love to curl up on the sofa and watch a movie in the evening. I find it very enjoyable and relaxing.
A: What hobbies do people in Spain have?
B: In my opinion people in Spain have the same hobbies as in other countries. From my experience people enjoy travelling, cinema, exercising, music and eating out. We have a lot of restaurants, and people love to socialise there together.
A: Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies?
B: Yes, personally I think everyone should have a hobby. It’s very important to find time for yourself and do things that make you happy. It can also be an opportunity to spend time with other people, to learn something new that can be practical or useful. Most importantly, I really believe that it’s important to enjoy your free time and hobbies can help you to do that!
TIP:
In addition, when talking to someone new and they ask you a question it’s a good idea to tell a story as part of your answer! It makes the conversation more personal and memorable.
A: What hobbies do you have?
B: Well, I love running. In fact last weekend I broke my own personal record when I ran 10KM through a park. I felt great when I did it but the next day my legs were like jelly and I could barely move around my house!
In you like this info, please follow us on Instagram or subscribe to keep learning with us.
