Let's Talk About Your Passions: How to Confidently Talk About Hobbies in Spanish


Have you ever been in a Spanish conversation and wished you could share your favorite pastimes? It's one of the best ways to connect with new friends, share a little about yourself, and dive deeper into a culture. But how do you go from thinking "I like to read" to saying it in Spanish? It's easier than you think!

This guide will give you the essential phrases, vocabulary, and grammar tips you need to confidently talk about your hobbies and passions in Spanish. Let's get started!

The Building Blocks: How to Say "I Like" in Spanish

Before we get to a list of hobbies, let's master the most important phrase: expressing a preference. The phrase you’ll use most often is Me gusta, which literally means "it pleases me." This is a fantastic and versatile phrase for all sorts of situations!

  • Me gusta bailar. (I like to dance.)

  • Me gusta cocinar. (I like to cook.)

  • Me gusta leer. (I like to read.)

Notice a pattern? You use Me gusta followed by the infinitive form of the verb (the "to" form, like to dance or to read). It's a simple rule that will unlock so many conversation possibilities!

Asking About Hobbies: What Do You Like to Do?

Starting a conversation is key. Asking someone what they enjoy is a great way to learn about them and get the conversation flowing. Here are a few simple ways to ask:

  • ¿Qué te gusta hacer? (What do you like to do?)

  • ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre? (What do you like to do in your free time?)

  • ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos? (What are your hobbies?)

  • ¿Cuál es tu pasatiempo favorito? (What's your favorite hobby?)

A Comprehensive List of Hobbies in Spanish

Now that you know how to talk about your interests, let's build your vocabulary! Here's a helpful list of common hobbies and pastimes. Remember to use Me gusta or Mi pasatiempo favorito es... with these phrases.

Arts & Crafts

  • pintar (to paint)

  • dibujar (to draw)

  • tejer (to knit)

  • hacer manualidades (to do crafts)

  • escribir (to write)

Sports & Fitness

  • hacer deporte (to play sports)

  • jugar al fútbol (to play soccer)

  • nadar (to swim)

  • correr (to run)

  • ir al gimnasio (to go to the gym)

  • hacer yoga (to do yoga)

Music, Film & Reading

  • escuchar música (to listen to music)

  • tocar un instrumento (to play an instrument)

  • ver películas (to watch movies)

  • leer (to read)

  • cantar (to sing)

Outdoor & Travel

  • viajar (to travel)

  • hacer senderismo (to go hiking)

  • acampar (to camp)

  • pasear (to go for a walk)

  • fotografiar (to take photos)

Home & Cooking

  • cocinar (to cook)

  • hornear (to bake)

  • trabajar en el jardín (to work in the garden)

  • jugar a los videojuegos (to play video games)

  • ver televisión (to watch TV)

Putting It All Together: Practice Makes Perfect

Now let's see how these phrases work in a short conversation.

Ana: ¡Hola! ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre? (Hey! What do you like to do in your free time?)

Carlos: Hola, Ana. Me gusta escuchar música y leer libros. ¿Y tú? (Hi, Ana. I like to listen to music and read books. And you?)

Ana: ¡A mí me gusta pintar y hacer deporte! Mi pasatiempo favorito es el senderismo. (I like to paint and play sports! My favorite hobby is hiking.)

See? It's simple and natural. The key is to practice these phrases a few times until they feel comfortable. Start by just telling a friend what you like to do, then try asking them the same question.

Ready to Talk About What You Love?

Talking about your hobbies in Spanish is a fantastic way to practice new vocabulary and make genuine connections. You now have the essential phrases and vocabulary to start. The next time you have a chance, don't be shy! Try out these phrases and share a little bit about what makes you, you.