What are your hobbies?
in Spanish¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?
/KWAH-lehs sohn toos pah-sah-TYEHM-pohs/
This is the most direct and standard translation for 'What are your hobbies?'. It's understood everywhere and is a safe choice for most informal and neutral situations.
Asking about hobbies is a great way to turn a new acquaintance into a friend. Questions like '¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?' open the door to fun conversations.
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?
/keh teh GOOS-tah ah-SEHR ehn too TYEHM-poh LEE-breh/
This is often the most natural and common way to ask about hobbies in conversation. It translates to 'What do you like to do in your free time?' and invites a more descriptive answer.
¿Cuáles son sus pasatiempos?
/KWAH-lehs sohn soos pah-sah-TYEHM-pohs/
This is the formal version of the primary translation, using 'sus' for 'your'. It's used when addressing someone with respect (usted), like an elder, a boss, or someone you don't know well.
¿Qué le gusta hacer en su tiempo libre?
/keh leh GOOS-tah ah-SEHR ehn soo TYEHM-poh LEE-breh/
The formal version of 'What do you like to do in your free time?'. Like the version above, it uses 'le' (for you, formal) and 'su' (your, formal).
¿Cuáles son tus aficiones?
/KWAH-lehs sohn toos ah-fee-SYOH-nehs/
In Spain, 'aficiones' is a very common synonym for 'hobbies' or 'interests'. It carries the idea of things you're a fan of or have an affection for.
¿Qué haces para divertirte?
/keh AH-sehs PAH-rah dee-behr-TEER-teh/
This translates to 'What do you do for fun?'. It's a very friendly and laid-back way to ask about someone's leisure activities.
¿Tienes algún pasatiempo?
/TYEH-nehs ahl-GOON pah-sah-TYEHM-poh/
This means 'Do you have any hobbies?'. It's a simple yes/no question that usually leads to the other person elaborating on what their hobbies are.
¿Qué hacés en tu tiempo libre?
/keh ah-SEHS ehn too TYEHM-poh LEE-breh/
This is the 'voseo' version of '¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre?'. 'Voseo' is the use of 'vos' instead of 'tú' for the informal 'you', which is standard in countries like Argentina.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best way to ask about hobbies in different situations.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos? | Neutral | Directly asking about hobbies in a clear, standard way. | You want a more conversational, less interview-like tone. |
| ¿Qué te gusta hacer...? | Casual | Starting a friendly, natural conversation with peers. | Very formal settings where you should use 'usted'. |
| ¿Cuáles son tus aficiones? | Neutral | Sounding like a local when speaking with people from Spain. | Speaking in most Latin American countries, where 'pasatiempos' is more common. |
| ¿Qué haces para divertirte? | Casual | Very informal, friendly situations focused on fun activities. | You want to know about more serious or skill-based hobbies (e.g., woodworking, programming). |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are mostly straightforward for English speakers. The multi-syllable word 'pasatiempos' might take a little practice to say smoothly.
The main challenge is knowing to use 'cuáles' instead of 'qué' before the verb 'son'. This is a common point of confusion for learners.
While the concept is universal, the most natural way to ask is often less direct ('What do you like to do?') than the literal translation.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing between '¿Cuáles son...?' and '¿Qué te gusta hacer...?'
- Remembering the 'cuáles' vs. 'qué' rule.
- Switching between 'tú' and 'usted' forms correctly.
💡Examples in Action
Veo que te gusta la fotografía. ¿Cuáles son tus otros pasatiempos?
I see you like photography. What are your other hobbies?
Para conocerte mejor, cuéntame, ¿qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?
To get to know you better, tell me, what do you like to do in your free time?
Señor Ramírez, si no le importa que le pregunte, ¿cuáles son sus pasatiempos fuera del trabajo?
Mr. Ramírez, if you don't mind me asking, what are your hobbies outside of work?
¡Qué guay tu camiseta de la banda! Aparte de la música, ¿cuáles son tus aficiones?
Your band t-shirt is so cool! Besides music, what are your hobbies?
🌍Cultural Context
It's About Connection, Not Interrogation
In English, asking about hobbies can sometimes feel like ticking a box to get to know someone. In Spanish, it's more of a genuine invitation to share a passion. The goal isn't just to get a list, but to find common ground and spark a real conversation. Be prepared to ask follow-up questions and share your own interests in return.
Actions Speak Louder Than Labels
You'll notice that asking 'What do you like to do?' (`¿Qué te gusta hacer?`) is often more common than asking for a list of 'hobbies' (`pasatiempos`). This reflects a cultural tendency to talk about activities and experiences rather than static labels. It's a subtle shift, but it makes the conversation flow more naturally.
Social Hobbies are King
While individual hobbies like reading or painting are appreciated, many cultures in the Spanish-speaking world place a high value on social activities. Mentioning things like dancing, playing a team sport, or even just 'salir con amigos' (going out with friends) as a hobby is very common and can be a great way to connect with people.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Qué' instead of 'Cuáles'
Mistake: "¿Qué son tus pasatiempos?"
Correction: ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?
Literal Translation with 'Hobbies'
Mistake: "¿Cuáles son tus hobbies?"
Correction: ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos? / ¿Cuáles son tus aficiones?
Mixing Up Formality
Mistake: "To your new boss: ¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?"
Correction: To your new boss: ¿Cuáles son sus pasatiempos?
💡Pro Tips
When in Doubt, Ask 'What Do You Like to Do?'
If you're ever unsure which phrase to use, defaulting to '¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?' is your safest and most natural-sounding bet. It's friendly, versatile, and works in almost any casual or semi-formal situation.
Prepare Your Own Answer
This question is a conversational boomerang – it's almost always going to come back to you! Have a simple answer ready, like 'Me gusta leer y escuchar música' (I like to read and listen to music). It keeps the conversation moving and shows you're ready to share, too.
Listen for Key Verbs in the Reply
When someone answers, listen for verbs like 'jugar a...' (to play...), 'hacer' (to do/make...), 'ir a...' (to go to...), 'ver' (to watch...), 'leer' (to read...). Recognizing these will help you understand their hobbies even if you don't know every single noun they use.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
The word 'aficiones' is much more common here than anywhere else. Also, the use of 'vosotros' for groups is standard: '¿Cuáles son vuestras aficiones?'.
Mexico
The conversational, action-oriented question '¿Qué te gusta hacer...?' is extremely prevalent and often feels more natural than the direct 'pasatiempos' question. It's a very friendly and common way to get to know someone.
Argentina
The use of 'vos' ('hacés', 'tenés') instead of 'tú' is mandatory for informal speech. Also, borrowing the English word 'hobby' (pronounced /HO-bee/) is very common in casual conversation.
💬What Comes Next?
After they tell you a hobby they enjoy.
Me gusta mucho leer.
I really like to read.
¡Qué bien! ¿Y qué tipo de libros lees?
That's great! And what kind of books do you read?
After they mention a sport or game.
Juego al baloncesto los fines de semana.
I play basketball on the weekends.
¡Genial! ¿Desde cuándo juegas?
Awesome! How long have you been playing?
They ask you the question back.
Mis pasatiempos son la jardinería y la cocina. ¿Y tú?
My hobbies are gardening and cooking. And you?
A mí me encanta el senderismo y ver películas.
I love hiking and watching movies.
🧠Memory Tricks
This mnemonic breaks the word down into its component parts, making its meaning transparent and much easier to remember.
This helps you remember that 'aficiones' (common in Spain) refers to interests and things you're passionate about, similar to having an affection for them.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'What are your hobbies?' is a very standard, almost formulaic question. In Spanish, while the direct translation `¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?` exists, it's often more natural to ask about actions with `¿Qué te gusta hacer?` (What do you like to do?). This focuses on the enjoyment and the activity itself, rather than just applying a label, which can lead to a warmer, more engaging conversation.
The Spanish approach is often slightly less direct. Asking 'What do you like to do in your free time?' is a softer, more conversational entry point than the more categorical English question 'What are your hobbies?'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to talk about your own hobbies
Once you ask the question, you need to be able to answer it yourself!
How to ask 'And you?'
This is the most essential phrase for keeping the conversation going after you've answered.
How to ask 'How often?'
A perfect follow-up question to learn more, for example, 'How often do you play soccer?'
How to express preferences
Expands your ability to discuss likes and dislikes beyond just your main hobbies.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: What are your hobbies?
Question 1 of 3
You're meeting your new, older boss for the first time and want to make polite conversation. Which phrase is most appropriate?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'pasatiempos' and 'aficiones'?
'Pasatiempos' literally means 'pastimes'—things you do to pass the time. 'Aficiones' comes from 'afición' (affection) and implies a deeper interest, passion, or fandom. However, in Spain, 'aficiones' is used very broadly, much like 'hobbies' in English. In Latin America, 'pasatiempos' is the standard.
So is it always wrong to say '¿Qué son tus pasatiempos?'
While native speakers will understand you, it's grammatically incorrect and a clear sign of a non-native speaker. The rule is to use 'cuál(es)' before the verb 'ser' when asking for a definition or a selection from a group. It's a small change that makes a big difference in how fluent you sound.
Which question should I learn first as a beginner?
Start with '¿Qué te gusta hacer?'. It's incredibly useful, sounds very natural, is easy to remember, and avoids the 'qué vs. cuáles' grammar trap. It's the perfect way to get the conversation started in almost any informal situation.
How do I answer when someone asks me about my hobbies?
The simplest way is to use 'Me gusta...' (I like...). For example: 'Me gusta leer' (I like to read), 'Me gusta jugar videojuegos' (I like to play video games), or 'Me gusta salir con mis amigos' (I like to go out with my friends). You can also say 'Mi pasatiempo es...' (My hobby is...).
Can I just use the English word 'hobby' in Spanish?
You can, and in some places like Argentina, it's quite common in casual speech. However, it's considered Spanglish. In most situations and regions, it's much better to use the proper Spanish words like 'pasatiempo' or 'afición' to practice your vocabulary and sound more polished.
What if I don't have any 'real' hobbies?
Don't worry! The question is more about what you enjoy. Answering with things like 'Me gusta ver series en Netflix' (I like to watch series on Netflix) or 'Me gusta escuchar música' (I like to listen to music) are perfectly normal and good answers that everyone can relate to.
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