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Why Hobbies Matter in Language Learning
When you meet someone new, one of the first things they might ask is, “What do you like to do in your free time?” Talking about hobbies in English is a great way to connect with others, build confidence, and keep a conversation going. Whether you're learning English for travel, work, or daily life, knowing how to describe your interests clearly and naturally can make a big difference.
This article will give you easy phrases, common vocabulary, and practical examples to help you get started. Whether you're a beginner or just want to sound more fluent, you're in the right place.
The Basics of Talking About Hobbies in English
Why This Skill Is Useful
Talking about hobbies in English helps you:
Make friends in casual conversations
Practice speaking about familiar topics
Build vocabulary in a fun and personal way
Boost your confidence in real-life situations
You don’t need complicated grammar or advanced vocabulary to express your interests. Even simple sentences can lead to engaging conversations.
Essential Phrases to Use
Let’s start with basic sentence structures you can use when talking about hobbies in English.
Talking About What You Like
Use these common phrases to talk about the hobbies you enjoy:
I like…
Example: I like reading science fiction books.I enjoy…
Example: I enjoy hiking on weekends.I’m into…
Example: I’m into photography and editing photos.My favorite hobby is…
Example: My favorite hobby is playing the guitar.I spend a lot of time…
Example: I spend a lot of time watching documentaries.
Each of these can be followed by a verb in the -ing form or a noun.
Talking About How Often You Do Something
Add more detail by mentioning how often you do your hobbies:
I usually…
Example: I usually play football after work.I sometimes…
Example: I sometimes go fishing with my dad.Every weekend, I…
Example: Every weekend, I go cycling.
This makes your English sound more natural and gives the listener a better picture of your daily life.
Vocabulary for Popular Hobbies
Here are some common hobbies in English with example phrases:
Sports and Physical Activities
Playing football
“I like playing football with my friends.”Going to the gym
“I go to the gym three times a week.”Swimming
“Swimming helps me relax.”Yoga
“I enjoy doing yoga in the morning.”
Creative Hobbies
Drawing or painting
“My favorite hobby is painting landscapes.”Playing an instrument
“I’m learning to play the piano.”Photography
“I’m into photography, especially nature photos.”
At-Home Activities
Watching movies
“I like watching movies on Netflix.”Cooking or baking
“I enjoy baking cakes for my family.”Reading
“I spend a lot of time reading novels.”Playing video games
“I play video games to relax after work.”
How to Ask Others About Their Hobbies
A conversation goes both ways. If you're talking about hobbies in English, it helps to know how to ask others too:
Useful Questions to Start a Conversation
What do you like to do in your free time?
Do you have any hobbies?
What are you into?
How do you usually spend your weekends?
These questions are friendly and open-ended, making it easier to start a conversation and keep it going.
Tips to Sound More Natural
Use Linking Words
Connect your ideas with simple linking words like:
Also – “I like hiking. I also enjoy camping.”
But – “I enjoy running, but I don’t like the gym.”
Because – “I love painting because it helps me relax.”
Practice Out Loud
Saying the phrases out loud helps build confidence. Practice with a friend, a language partner, or in front of a mirror.
Learn in Context
Don’t just memorize words—use them in full sentences. For example:
❌ “Photography.”
✅ “I’m really into photography. I take pictures of nature whenever I travel.”
This makes your English more fluent and less robotic.
Practice Makes Progress
Learning how to talk about hobbies in English takes time, but it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of learning a language. Why? Because it’s personal. You’re talking about things you care about, and that makes it easier to remember and more fun to practice.
Start small. Pick two or three hobbies you enjoy and learn how to describe them in English. Use the simple phrases from this article and build from there.
Take the Next Step With a Pro
Now you’ve got the phrases, vocabulary, and examples to get started talking about hobbies in English. But if you want to truly improve your speaking skills and feel confident in real conversations, practicing with a professional teacher is the smartest move you can make.
Book your first lesson with a qualified English tutor on Langu — a platform that connects you with experienced teachers who can guide you through personalized lessons, correct your mistakes, and help you reach fluency faster.
Don’t just learn English. Start using it — and make every hobby a chance to speak better.
FAQs
What are some common phrases for talking about hobbies in English?
Some simple and effective phrases for talking about hobbies in English include:
"I like..." (e.g., I like swimming)
"I'm into..." (e.g., I'm into photography)
"I enjoy..." (e.g., I enjoy cooking)
"My favorite hobby is..." (e.g., My favorite hobby is playing the guitar)
These phrases help you express your interests clearly in everyday conversations.
Why is talking about hobbies in English important for learners?
Talking about hobbies in English helps language learners practice real-life vocabulary, build confidence, and connect with others more easily. It’s a common topic in both casual and professional settings, so learning how to express your interests naturally is a great way to improve your speaking skills.
How can I practice talking about hobbies in English effectively?
To practice talking about hobbies in English, start by writing short sentences about your favorite activities, then say them out loud. Use language exchange apps, join conversation groups, or book a lesson with an online tutor to get real-time feedback and improve fluency.
