What do you like to do in your spare (free, extra) time? What are some things you enjoy? Things you do in your spare time are called your hobbies. Hobbies are a lot of fun and help us relax. When you meet people, they may ask about your hobbies. It’s important to be able to talk about hobbies in English.

Sometimes, there are set (fixed, always the same) phrases we use to talk about hobbies in English. That means that there are certain ways we can say things. Here are some of the ways you can talk about common (typical) hobbies.

Listen to Music

Everyone likes listening to music, right? When someone asks you to talk about hobbies in English, do you say you like to listen to music?

A lot of people listen to music at work. Some listen to music on the radio in the car. Some people have music on all the time! Which are you?

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to listen to music!

Talk to/ Chat with Friends

How often do you talk to your friends? Friends are like family, so they’re great to have around. Would you consider (think of) talking to your friends a hobby of yours?

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to talk to my friends.
I like to chat with friends.

Play Sports (chess/tennis/an instrument)

There are a lot of things you can play. You can play games. You can play sports. You can play an instrument. Playing sports and instruments are a great way to relax. Playing a sport can keep you fit. And if you like listening to music, playing an instrument is a win-win!

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to play soccer.
I like to play video games.
I like to play the clarinet.

Do Yoga

One exception to playing sports is yoga. You don’t play yoga, you do yoga. Have you ever taken a yoga class? What did you think about it?

For example:

What are your hobbies?

I like to do yoga.
I like doing yoga.

Go to the Theater (concerts/dancing/camping/running)

Do your hobbies take you out of the house? Do you like to go out to do things? There are a bunch (a lot, many) hobbies that you can do with the phrase, “go to” or “go.”

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to go running.
I like to go camping on the weekends.
I like to go to concerts.
I like to go dancing.

Watch TV

Sometimes hobbies are very relaxing. It can be nice to just sit at home on a Sunday afternoon and do nothing. Watching TV can be a great hobby on a lazy (slow) Sunday. What are some of your favorite TV shows?

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to watch TV.

Read a Book

This is one of my favorite hobbies. Reading books is a great way to pass the time! It’s also fun to be in a new place in your mind.

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to read.
I like to read books.

Work in the Garden

This may be one of the only pastimes that uses the word “work” in it when you need to talk about hobbies in English. Gardening is a great way to get outside and be in nature. Do you have any plants in your house or your garden?

For example:

What are some of your hobbies?