Spanish Vocabulary for Hobbies and Free Time: Essential Words and Phrases


Learning Spanish is not just about grammar—it’s about being able to talk about your life, interests, and hobbies. Whether you want to chat with friends, travel, or join a Spanish-speaking community, mastering vocabulary related to hobbies and free time is essential. This guide introduces key Spanish words and phrases to help you talk confidently about what you like to do in your free time.

1. Common Hobbies in Spanish

Here’s a list of popular hobbies with their Spanish translations:

English Spanish Pronunciation
Reading Leer leh-ehr
Writing Escribir ehs-kree-beer
Painting Pintar peen-tar
Drawing Dibujar dee-boo-har
Playing sports Practicar deportes prahk-tee-kar deh-por-tehs
Playing video games Jugar videojuegos hoo-gar vee-deh-oh-hweh-gohs
Listening to music Escuchar música ehs-koo-char moo-see-kah
Singing Cantar kahn-tar
Dancing Bailar bai-lar
Cooking Cocinar koh-see-nar
Gardening Jardinería har-dee-neh-ree-ah
Hiking Hacer senderismo ah-sehr sehn-deh-rees-moh

2. Free Time Activities in Spanish

When talking about free time, you can use these phrases:

English Spanish Pronunciation
To relax Relajarse reh-lah-har-seh
To go to the movies Ir al cine eer al see-neh
To watch TV Ver la televisión vehr lah teh-leh-bee-see-ohn
To meet friends Reunirse con amigos reh-oo-neer-seh kon ah-mee-gohs
To exercise Hacer ejercicio ah-sehr ehr-heh-see-see-oh
To travel Viajar bee-ah-har
To go shopping Ir de compras eer deh kohm-pras
To play board games Jugar a juegos de mesa hoo-gar ah hweh-gos deh meh-sah
To go for a walk Dar un paseo dar oon pah-seh-oh
To go swimming Nadar nah-dar

3. Useful Phrases to Talk About Hobbies

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

  • Me gusta leer y escuchar música. – I like to read and listen to music.

  • Mi pasatiempo favorito es pintar. – My favorite hobby is painting.

  • En los fines de semana, me gusta salir con amigos. – On weekends, I like to hang out with friends.

  • Estoy aprendiendo a bailar salsa. – I am learning to dance salsa.

These phrases help you start conversations and share your interests naturally in Spanish.

4. Tips for Learning Hobby Vocabulary

  1. Practice with flashcards – Write the English word on one side and Spanish on the other.

  2. Use it in context – Try describing your actual hobbies aloud in Spanish.

  3. Engage with Spanish content – Listen to Spanish podcasts, watch TV shows, or read articles about hobbies.

  4. Pair words with actions – Doing the hobby while saying the word in Spanish reinforces memory.

  5. Repeat regularly – Repetition is key to retaining vocabulary and pronunciation.

5. Expanding Your Vocabulary

Once you know the basics, you can learn more advanced terms like:

  • Manualidades – Crafts

  • Fotografía – Photography

  • Tocar un instrumento – Playing an instrument

  • Esquiar – Skiing

  • Montar en bicicleta – Cycling / Biking

  • Hacer yoga – Doing yoga

This allows you to have richer conversations about hobbies with Spanish speakers.

Summary

Talking about hobbies and free time in Spanish makes conversations more engaging and personal. By learning these key vocabulary words and phrases, you’ll be able to:

  • Share your interests confidently

  • Ask others about their hobbies

  • Expand your conversational skills naturally

  • Enjoy Spanish media related to your favorite activities

Start with the basic words, practice the phrases, and gradually include more advanced vocabulary. Soon, discussing your hobbies in Spanish will feel natural and fun!