Table of Contents
Introduction
Talking about your hobbies and interests is more than just small talk — it’s a valuable skill for English learners. It helps you build relationships, practice vocabulary, and express your personality.
Confidently discussing your passions makes social interactions smoother and more meaningful. It’s also a great way to connect with others with similar interests or learn about new activities you might want to try.
Let’s explain how to ask, respond, and talk in detail about your hobbies in English!
Talking About Interests and Hobbies in English
In the following sections, you will learn how to ask and respond to questions about hobbies and interests in English. You’ll also discover a variety of ways to describe your favorite activities and explain why they matter to you.
1. Asking About Hobbies and Interests
Here are some useful questions to ask:
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- What are your hobbies?
- How do you usually spend your weekends?
- Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?
- Do you prefer active or relaxing hobbies?
- Are you part of any clubs or groups?
- What’s something you’re passionate about?
- Do you have any special talents or skills?
- What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
- Have you picked up any new hobbies recently?
- Are you into any hobbies?
These questions are great for starting conversations and showing genuine interest in others.
2. Responding to Questions About Hobbies and Interests
When someone asks about your hobbies, try these responses:
- I enjoy… (e.g., I enjoy painting.)
- I’m really into… (e.g., I’m really into hiking.)
- One of my favorite hobbies is… (e.g., One of my favorite hobbies is playing guitar.)
- I like to spend my free time… (e.g., I like to spend my free time reading books.)
- I’m passionate about… (e.g., I’m passionate about cooking.)
- I’ve recently started… (e.g., I’ve recently started learning how to knit.)
- I’m a big fan of… (e.g., I’m a big fan of watching documentaries.)
- I find [hobby] really relaxing/fulfilling. (e.g., I find gardening really relaxing.)
- I’ve been [activity] for [time period]. (e.g., I’ve been playing chess for three years.)
- I’m not very good at it, but I love… (e.g., I’m not very good at it, but I love dancing.)
- I am into… (e.g., I’m into dancing.)
These phrases help you express your interests clearly and confidently.
3. Describing and Talking About Your Hobbies in More Detail
Use these phrases to give more information:
- I started [hobby] when I was… (e.g., I started learning photography when I was 15.)
- I usually [activity] every [frequency]. (e.g., I usually go jogging every morning.)
- I’m part of a [club/group] where we… (e.g., I’m part of a book club where we discuss novels.)
- I’ve been doing [hobby] for [time period]. (e.g., I’ve been playing the piano for five years.)
- I’m currently learning how to… (e.g., I’m currently learning how to code.)
- I’m thinking of trying… (e.g., I’m thinking of trying rock climbing.)
- I usually [activity] with [person/group]. (e.g., I usually play soccer with my friends.)
- I find [hobby] really [adjective]. (e.g., I find painting really therapeutic.)
- It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. (e.g., Traveling is something I’ve always wanted to do.)
- I’m not an expert, but I really enjoy… (e.g., I’m not an expert, but I really enjoy baking.)
Useful words and expressions to describe hobbies:
- Relaxing, energizing, creative, challenging, rewarding, social, adventurous, therapeutic, fulfilling, inspiring
- Indoor/outdoor, solo/group, hands-on, competitive, artistic, physical, intellectual, low-key, high-energy
These words and phrases help you paint a vivid picture of your hobbies and interests.
4. Explaining Why You Like Your Hobbies and Interests
Share why your hobbies are meaningful with these expressions:
- I love [hobby] because it helps me… (e.g., I love yoga because it helps me relax.)
- It’s a great way to… (e.g., It’s a great way to meet new people.)
- I feel [emotion] when I do [activity]. (e.g., I feel inspired when I write poetry.)
- It allows me to… (e.g., It allows me to express myself creatively.)
- I’ve always been interested in… (e.g., I’ve always been interested in history.)
- It’s a good way to escape from… (e.g., It’s a good way to escape from stress.)
- I like the challenge of… (e.g., I like the challenge of solving puzzles.)
- It’s something I can do with [person/group]. (e.g., It’s something I can do with my family.)
- It keeps me [adjective]. (e.g., It keeps me active and healthy.)
- I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get from… (e.g., I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get from finishing a book.)
These expressions help you explain the deeper reasons behind your interests.
Sample Conversation: Talking About Hobbies and Interests
Here’s an example of a conversation:
Alex: What do you like to do in your free time?
Emma: I’m really into photography. I started taking pictures a few years ago, and I love capturing nature and landscapes. How about you?
Alex: That sounds amazing! I enjoy hiking, so I bet we’d make a great team — you could take pictures of the trails!
Emma: That would be so fun! How long have you been hiking?
Alex: I’ve been hiking for about five years. It’s a great way to clear my mind and stay active. Do you usually photograph outdoors or indoors?
Emma: Mostly outdoors. I love the natural light. But I’ve been thinking of trying portrait photography, too.
Alex: That’s cool! Maybe you could practice by taking pictures of your friends.
Emma: That’s a great idea! And maybe we could plan a hike together — you hike, and I’ll bring my camera.
Alex: Deal! It sounds like we both enjoy hobbies that help us connect with nature.
Practice Exercises and Classroom Activities
To help you practice talking about hobbies and interests, here are some fun exercises:
- Pair Interviews: Work with a partner and take turns asking and answering questions about hobbies. Use the phrases and expressions from this guide.
- Hobby Presentations: Prepare a short presentation about one of your hobbies. Include details like when you started, why you enjoy it, and how often you do it.
- Role-Playing: Create dialogues where you introduce yourself and talk about your hobbies in different scenarios, like at a party, in a classroom, or at a networking event.
- Hobby Match-Up: Write down your hobbies on small pieces of paper. Mix them up and have classmates pick one. Then, find the person who shares that hobby and discuss it together.
- Journaling: Write a short paragraph about a hobby you’d like to try in the future. Explain why it interests you and how you plan to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions: Talking About Interests and Hobbies
How do you talk about interests and hobbies?
To talk about your hobbies and interests, start by sharing what you enjoy doing in your free time. Use phrases like:
– “I enjoy…”
– “I’m really into…”
– “One of my favorite hobbies is…”
Then, add more details, like how long you’ve been doing the activity, how often you do it, and why you like it. For example:
– “I’ve been playing the guitar for five years because it helps me relax and express myself.”
How do I write about my hobbies and interests?
When writing about your hobbies and interests, follow this structure:
– Start with an introduction: “In my free time, I like to…”
– Describe your hobby: what it is, when you started, and how often you do it.
– Explain why you enjoy it: “I love this hobby because…”
– Add a closing statement: “Overall, this hobby brings me a lot of joy and balance in life.”
How do you explain your interests and hobbies?
To explain your hobbies, use expressions that show your enthusiasm and reasons for enjoying the activity. For example:
“I love hiking because it helps me stay fit and connect with nature.”
“Painting is my passion — it allows me to be creative and unwind after a busy day.”
How do I write 10 lines on my hobby?
Here’s an example of how to write 10 lines about a hobby:
“My favorite hobby is reading. I enjoy exploring different genres, especially mystery and science fiction. I started reading when I was a child, and it quickly became my passion. I usually read for an hour every evening before bed. Reading helps me relax and learn new things. I also like discussing books with my friends and joining online book clubs. My favorite author is Agatha Christie, and I love her detective novels. I enjoy visiting libraries and bookstores to discover new titles. Reading has also improved my vocabulary and language skills. Overall, it’s a hobby that brings me endless enjoyment and personal growth.”
List of Hobbies.
Being able to talk about your hobbies and interests is an essential communication skill for English learners. It makes conversations more engaging, helps you bond with others, and lets you practice speaking naturally.