Spanish Hobbies and Free Time Vocabulary for Beginners
Learning a new language becomes easier when you connect it with daily life. One of the best ways to do that is by exploring hobbies and free time activities. Understanding Spanish hobbies and free time vocabulary not only helps you talk about your interests but also allows you to ask others about theirs. This makes conversations more engaging and natural.
In this guide, you’ll discover 25 Spanish words and expressions for hobbies that every beginner should learn. These are practical, easy to use, and will make your Spanish conversations flow more smoothly. By the end, you’ll be ready to talk confidently about what you love doing in your spare time.
Why Learn Spanish Hobbies and Free Time Vocabulary?
When you meet new people, one of the first questions often asked is, “What do you like to do in your free time?” Knowing how to respond in Spanish can help you bond instantly.
Talking about hobbies is useful in:
- Introducing yourself in Spanish classes.
- Meeting Spanish-speaking friends.
- Traveling to Spain or Latin America.
- Building conversational confidence as a beginner.
Mastering this vocabulary helps you go beyond greetings and small talk. You’ll sound more natural and relatable, which keeps conversations alive.
Key Phrase to Remember
Before jumping into the vocabulary list, it’s important to know a simple phrase you can use in every context:
“Me gusta…” → I like…
For example:
- Me gusta leer. → I like to read.
- Me gusta escuchar música. → I like to listen to music.
With this phrase, you can express almost any hobby in Spanish.
25 Spanish Hobbies and Free Time Vocabulary for Beginners
Below you’ll find 25 essential Spanish words and expressions for hobbies and leisure activities. Each includes the Spanish term, English meaning, and a simple example sentence.
1. Leer – To read
Reading is one of the most common hobbies worldwide.
- Me gusta leer libros de aventuras.
(I like to read adventure books.)
2. Escuchar música – To listen to music
Music is a universal hobby and easy to discuss in any conversation.
- Me gusta escuchar música clásica.
(I like to listen to classical music.)
3. Bailar – To dance
Dancing is deeply connected to Hispanic culture.
- Me gusta bailar salsa.
(I like to dance salsa.)
4. Cantar – To sing
If you love singing, this is the word to use.
- Me gusta cantar en la ducha.
(I like to sing in the shower.)
5. Cocinar – To cook
Food brings people together, and cooking is a fun hobby.
- Me gusta cocinar comidas nuevas.
(I like to cook new dishes.)
6. Viajar – To travel
Traveling often comes up in conversations with new friends.
- Me gusta viajar a diferentes países.
(I like to travel to different countries.)
7. Nadar – To swim
A great hobby and also a useful activity word.
- Me gusta nadar en la piscina.
(I like to swim in the pool.)
8. Pintar – To paint
Painting is a creative hobby many people enjoy.
- Me gusta pintar paisajes.
(I like to paint landscapes.)
9. Dibujar – To draw
This hobby often goes hand-in-hand with painting.
- Me gusta dibujar caricaturas.
(I like to draw cartoons.)
10. Escribir – To write
Writing is a wonderful way to express ideas.
- Me gusta escribir poemas.
(I like to write poems.)
11. Hacer deporte – To play sports
Sports are common in conversations about free time.
- Me gusta hacer deporte los fines de semana.
(I like to play sports on weekends.)
12. Jugar al fútbol – To play soccer
Soccer is the most popular sport in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Me gusta jugar al fútbol con mis amigos.
(I like to play soccer with my friends.)
13. Jugar al baloncesto – To play basketball
Another popular sport you can mention.
- Me gusta jugar al baloncesto después de la escuela.
(I like to play basketball after school.)
14. Ver la televisión – To watch television
This is a hobby almost everyone can relate to.
- Me gusta ver la televisión por la noche.
(I like to watch television at night.)
15. Ver películas – To watch movies
Movies are always a safe conversation starter.
- Me gusta ver películas de acción.
(I like to watch action movies.)
16. Hacer fotografías – To take photos
Photography is a growing hobby among young learners.
- Me gusta hacer fotografías de la naturaleza.
(I like to take photos of nature.)
17. Tocar la guitarra – To play the guitar
Music-related hobbies are especially engaging to mention.
- Me gusta tocar la guitarra en mi tiempo libre.
(I like to play the guitar in my free time.)
18. Tocar el piano – To play the piano
If you play an instrument, this vocabulary is essential.
- Me gusta tocar el piano en casa.
(I like to play the piano at home.)
19. Ir de compras – To go shopping
Shopping is a fun and useful expression in daily life.
- Me gusta ir de compras los sábados.
(I like to go shopping on Saturdays.)
20. Hacer yoga – To do yoga
Wellness hobbies are popular to discuss.
- Me gusta hacer yoga por la mañana.
(I like to do yoga in the morning.)
21. Montar en bicicleta – To ride a bike
Cycling is a relaxing and eco-friendly hobby.
- Me gusta montar en bicicleta en el parque.
(I like to ride a bike in the park.)
22. Correr – To run
Running is a simple but popular activity.
- Me gusta correr en la playa.
(I like to run on the beach.)
23. Jugar a los videojuegos – To play video games
A favorite activity among many students.
- Me gusta jugar a los videojuegos con mis amigos.
(I like to play video games with my friends.)
24. Ir al cine – To go to the cinema
Cinemas are a cultural activity across Spanish-speaking countries.
- Me gusta ir al cine los fines de semana.
(I like to go to the cinema on weekends.)
25. Pasear – To go for a walk
Walking is simple, relaxing, and great vocabulary for beginners.
- Me gusta pasear por el parque.
(I like to go for a walk in the park.)
Table for Spanish Hobbies and Free Time Vocabulary
| Spanish Word / Phrase | English Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Leer | To read | Me gusta leer libros de aventuras. (I like to read adventure books.) |
| Escuchar música | To listen to music | Me gusta escuchar música clásica. (I like to listen to classical music.) |
| Bailar | To dance | Me gusta bailar salsa. (I like to dance salsa.) |
| Cantar | To sing | Me gusta cantar en la ducha. (I like to sing in the shower.) |
| Cocinar | To cook | Me gusta cocinar comidas nuevas. (I like to cook new dishes.) |
| Viajar | To travel | Me gusta viajar a diferentes países. (I like to travel to different countries.) |
| Nadar | To swim | Me gusta nadar en la piscina. (I like to swim in the pool.) |
| Pintar | To paint | Me gusta pintar paisajes. (I like to paint landscapes.) |
| Dibujar | To draw | Me gusta dibujar caricaturas. (I like to draw cartoons.) |
| Escribir | To write | Me gusta escribir poemas. (I like to write poems.) |
| Hacer deporte | To play sports | Me gusta hacer deporte los fines de semana. (I like to play sports on weekends.) |
| Jugar al fútbol | To play soccer | Me gusta jugar al fútbol con mis amigos. (I like to play soccer with my friends.) |
| Jugar al baloncesto | To play basketball | Me gusta jugar al baloncesto después de la escuela. (I like to play basketball after school.) |
| Ver la televisión | To watch television | Me gusta ver la televisión por la noche. (I like to watch television at night.) |
| Ver películas | To watch movies | Me gusta ver películas de acción. (I like to watch action movies.) |
| Hacer fotografías | To take photos | Me gusta hacer fotografías de la naturaleza. (I like to take photos of nature.) |
| Tocar la guitarra | To play the guitar | Me gusta tocar la guitarra en mi tiempo libre. (I like to play the guitar in my free time.) |
| Tocar el piano | To play the piano | Me gusta tocar el piano en casa. (I like to play the piano at home.) |
| Ir de compras | To go shopping | Me gusta ir de compras los sábados. (I like to go shopping on Saturdays.) |
| Hacer yoga | To do yoga | Me gusta hacer yoga por la mañana. (I like to do yoga in the morning.) |
| Montar en bicicleta | To ride a bike | Me gusta montar en bicicleta en el parque. (I like to ride a bike in the park.) |
| Correr | To run | Me gusta correr en la playa. (I like to run on the beach.) |
| Jugar a los videojuegos | To play video games | Me gusta jugar a los videojuegos con mis amigos. (I like to play video games with my friends.) |
| Ir al cine | To go to the cinema | Me gusta ir al cine los fines de semana. (I like to go to the cinema on weekends.) |
| Pasear | To go for a walk | Me gusta pasear por el parque. (I like to go for a walk in the park.) |
How to Practice Spanish Hobbies Vocabulary
Learning vocabulary is only the first step. The real progress happens when you practice. Here are some strategies:
1. Use Flashcards
Create digital or paper flashcards with Spanish words on one side and English on the other.
2. Practice with “Me gusta”
Form sentences every day about your hobbies using Me gusta. This reinforces memory.
3. Speak with a Partner
Ask a friend or classmate about their hobbies. Practice both asking and answering.
4. Write a Short Journal
Keep a daily journal where you describe what you did in your free time.
5. Connect Words with Images
When you hear “nadar,” imagine yourself swimming. This helps recall faster.
Phrases for Talking About Hobbies in Spanish
Knowing single words is good, but complete sentences take you further. Here are some useful expressions:
- ¿Cuál es tu pasatiempo favorito? → What is your favorite hobby?
- En mi tiempo libre me gusta… → In my free time, I like to…
- Mi hobby favorito es… → My favorite hobby is…
- ¿Qué haces los fines de semana? → What do you do on weekends?
These phrases allow you to start and extend conversations naturally.
Cultural Note: Hobbies in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Hobbies in Spanish-speaking countries often reflect cultural traditions. For example:
- Soccer (fútbol) is more than a game; it’s a shared passion.
- Dancing plays a central role, from salsa in Cuba to flamenco in Spain.
- Cooking and food gatherings are common ways to spend free time.
By learning this vocabulary, you also learn about cultural values. This adds depth to your conversations.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Spanish hobbies and free time vocabulary gives you the tools to connect more deeply with others. These 25 words and expressions are practical, memorable, and fun to use. With them, you can talk about your life, ask questions, and learn more about Spanish-speaking cultures.
Practice them daily, use them in real conversations, and soon you’ll feel much more confident speaking Spanish.
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Vikas Kumar is a dedicated language educator, content creator, and digital entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of My Language Classes and The Curious Mind. With a strong focus on helping learners achieve fluency in English, Spanish, and Japanese, he has guided audiences worldwide through a diverse range of resources, including in-depth blog articles, engaging YouTube tutorials, and comprehensive Books.
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