ESL Conversation: How to talk about your hobbies in English

Hobbies can be an enjoyable and fulfilling part of our lives, but expressing our interests and feelings about them in English can sometimes be challenging.

From verb forms to adjectives and phrases, there are a variety of ways to talk about hobbies in English that can convey different levels of enthusiasm.

In this article, we’ll explore some practical strategies and techniques to help you confidently discuss your hobbies and interests in English.

Whether you’re an English language learner or simply looking for some tips on how to communicate more effectively, this article will provide you with the tools you need to express yourself accurately and authentically.

How to ask and answer questions about hobbies and interests

Asking and answering questions about hobbies and interests is a common way to start a conversation, get to know someone better, or show interest in a topic. Here are some tips on how to do it:

  • To ask questions about hobbies and interests, you can use open-ended questions that invite more than a yes or no answer, such as
    What do you like to do in your free time?” or
    How did you get interested in … ?”
    You can also use follow-up questions that show you are listening and want to know more, such as
    What do you enjoy most about … ?” or
    How often do you … ?
  • To answer questions about hobbies and interests, you can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give a specific example of how you practice your hobby or interest. You can also highlight the skills, qualities or values that your hobby or interest demonstrates, such as creativity, teamwork, or perseverance. Finally, you can relate your hobby or interest to the company or job that you are applying for, if possible.

For example:

Question: What are your hobbies and interests?

Answer: One of my hobbies is playing chess. I started playing when I was 10 years old and joined a chess club at school. I enjoy the challenge of thinking strategically and solving problems. Chess has also taught me how to be patient and focused under pressure. I think these skills are useful for any job that requires analytical thinking and decision making.

Verb forms to express interests

Talking about your hobbies in English can involve using different verb forms to express your interests and preferences. Here are some examples of verb forms you can use:

  • Like” – You can use I like + to do something or I like + (verb + ing) to express a general preference for an activity. For example:
    I like to read books in my free time” or “I like to watch movies on the weekends.”
  • Enjoy” – You can use I enjoy doing something to emphasize that you get pleasure or satisfaction from an activity.  For example:
    I enjoy playing soccer with my friends.”
  • Love” – This verb expresses a strong positive feeling towards something. For example:
    I love to travel and explore new places.”
  • Adore” – This verb means to love someone or something deeply. For example:
    I adore dancing and it’s my favorite hobby.
  • Am fond of” – This expression means to like someone or something, but in a slightly more formal or affectionate way. For example:
    I am fond of playing chess in my free time.
  • Prefer” – This verb expresses a choice between two or more options. For example:
    I prefer to go hiking rather than staying at home and watching TV.
  • Can’t stand” – This expression means that you dislike something strongly. For example:
    I can’t stand playing video games for hours.
  • Hate” – This verb expresses a strong negative feeling towards something. For example:
    I hate cleaning my room, but it’s something that needs to be done.

More Example Sentence

  • I enjoy playing video games in my free time.
  • She likes reading books on history and politics.
  • We love going to the beach and swimming in the ocean.
  • He is passionate about hiking and exploring nature.
  • They have a keen interest in learning about different cultures.
  • I’m fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior.
  • She is excited about trying new recipes in the kitchen.
  • We are curious about the latest advancements in technology.
  • He is always eager to attend live music concerts.
  • They find pleasure in spending time with friends and family.
  • I’m enthusiastic about practicing yoga and meditation.
  • She is intrigued by the workings of the human mind.
  • We have a strong affinity for art and artistic expression.
  • He is thrilled by the adrenaline rush of extreme sports.
  • They have a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.
  • I’m keen on learning new languages and expanding my horizons.
  • She is inspired by the stories of people who have overcome adversity.
  • We are motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.
  • He is drawn to the challenge of solving complex problems.
  • They are interested in the intersection of science and spirituality.

Level of Enthusiasm

When talking about hobbies in English, it’s important to be able to express your level of interest or enthusiasm in a way that accurately reflects your feelings.

Here are some phrases you can use to express different levels of enthusiasm:

Mild enthusiasm:

  • I’m quite interested in…
  • I find … quite enjoyable
  • I don’t mind…
  • It’s okay…
  • It’s something to do when I’m bored…

Moderate enthusiasm:

  • I’m really into…
  • I enjoy…
  • I like…
  • I’m a fan of…
  • I find it fascinating…
  • I get a lot of pleasure from…

Strong enthusiasm:

  • I’m really passionate about…
  • I absolutely love…
  • I’m crazy about…
  • I can’t get enough of…
  • I’m obsessed with…
  • It’s my all-time favorite…

Lack of enthusiasm:

  • I’m not that keen on…
  • I’m not a big fan of…
  • It’s not really my thing…
  • I’m not too interested in…
  • I don’t really enjoy…

It’s important to use these phrases appropriately in context and to be honest about your feelings towards your hobbies.

This can help others understand your level of interest or enthusiasm and can also help you find common interests with others.

Additionally, it’s helpful to ask others about their hobbies and use these phrases to understand their level of interest as well.

Give more details on your hobby

When talking about your hobbies and interests in English, it can be helpful to provide more details about them to make the conversation more interesting and engaging. Here are some tips for giving more details:

  • Explain why you enjoy your hobbies:
    Instead of just saying “I like to play basketball“, try explaining why you like it.
    For example, “I like playing basketball because it’s a great way to stay active and it’s a fun way to bond with my friends“.
  • Share how often you do your hobbies:
    Providing a frequency or duration of how often you do your hobbies can also add more detail to the conversation.
    For example, “I go to the gym three times a week to work out“, or “I usually practice the guitar for an hour every day“.
  • Mention who you do your hobbies with:
    Sharing who you do your hobbies with can also provide more context about your interests.
    For example, “I like going hiking with my family because we enjoy nature and it’s a great way to spend quality time together“.
  • Describe any challenges or achievements you have experienced:
    Sharing challenges or achievements you’ve had with your hobbies can add depth to the conversation.
    For example, “I started learning how to knit last year, and even though it was difficult at first, I’m now able to make my own scarves and hats”.
  • Use descriptive language:
    Using descriptive language can help paint a picture of your hobbies and make the conversation more engaging.
    For example, instead of just saying “I like to cook“, you could say “I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and creating delicious meals for my friends and family“.

By providing more details about your hobbies and interests, you can make the conversation more interesting and engaging, and give others a better sense of who you are and what you enjoy doing.

Using adjective to describe a hobby

Using adjectives is a great way to describe hobbies in English. Here are some adjectives that can be used to describe different characteristics of hobbies:

Challenging:

These adjectives are used to describe hobbies that require a lot of effort or skill.

  • Difficult
  • Demanding
  • Challenging
  • Testing
  • Tough

Example:
I find rock climbing to be a challenging hobby that pushes me to my limits.

Relaxing:

These adjectives are used to describe hobbies that help you unwind and relax.

  • Calming
  • Soothing
  • Relaxing
  • Tranquil
  • Serene

Example:
“I enjoy reading as it’s a relaxing hobby that allows me to escape into different worlds.”

Fun:

These adjectives are used to describe hobbies that are enjoyable and entertaining.

  • Entertaining
  • Fun
  • Enjoyable
  • Pleasurable
  • Amusing

Example:
“I love playing board games with my friends as it’s a fun hobby that always keeps us entertained.”

Creative:

These adjectives are used to describe hobbies that allow you to express your creativity.

  • Creative
  • Imaginative
  • Artistic
  • Innovative
  • Original

Example:
“I enjoy painting as it’s a creative hobby that allows me to express myself through colors and shapes.”

Adventurous:

These adjectives are used to describe hobbies that involve exploration and excitement.

  • Adventurous
  • Thrilling
  • Exciting
  • Daring
  • Bold

Example:
“I love traveling to new countries as it’s an adventurous hobby that allows me to explore new cultures and try new things.”

By using adjectives to describe hobbies, you can provide more detail and nuance to your conversations and help others understand what you enjoy about your hobbies.

Example Conversations about Hobby

Photography

Bob: Hi John, how are you doing today?

John: I am good, thanks. How about you?

Bob: I am fine too. So, what do you like to do in your free time?

John: Well, I have a hobby that I really enjoy. It is photography.

Bob: Photography? That sounds interesting. How did you get into it?

John: I have always liked taking pictures of nature and people. I got my first camera when I was 10 and since then I have been learning more about it.

Bob: What kind of camera do you use?

John: I have a DSLR camera with a few lenses. It is not very cheap but it is worth it for the quality of the photos.

Bob: Do you have any favorite subjects or styles of photography?

John: I like to experiment with different genres and techniques. Lately, I have been into street photography and black and white photography.

Bob: That sounds cool. Do you have any examples of your work that you can show me?

John: Sure, let me show you some photos on my phone.

 

Gardening

James: Hi Anna, what are you up to today?

Anna: I am just relaxing at home. I spent the morning in my garden.

James: Oh, you have a garden? That is nice. What do you grow there?

Anna: I grow a variety of flowers and vegetables. I love seeing them bloom and harvest them.

James: That sounds fun. How long have you been gardening?

Anna: I started when I was a kid. My grandma taught me how to plant seeds and take care of them.

James: Do you have any tips or tricks for gardening?

Anna: Well, you need to water your plants regularly, but not too much. You also need to weed out the unwanted plants and pests. And you need to fertilize your soil once in a while.

James: I see. That sounds like a lot of work.

Anna: It is, but it’s also very rewarding. Gardening makes me happy and relaxed.

James: That is good to hear.

Example Answer to Interview Question “What’s Your Hobby & Interest?”

Playing Chess

One of my hobbies and interests is playing chess. I enjoy chess because it challenges me to think strategically, creatively, and logically.

It also helps me improve my concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. I play chess online with people from different countries and backgrounds, which gives me an opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

Chess is not only a fun and relaxing activity for me, but also a way to develop my analytical and interpersonal abilities

Reading Books

My hobbies and interests are quite diverse. One of my main interests is reading, and I enjoy reading books on a wide range of topics, from historical fiction to science and technology. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and going on hikes or nature walks. I find it very relaxing to be in nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

In addition to these hobbies, I also enjoy listening to music, attending concerts, and learning about different musical genres and artists. I have a particular interest in jazz and blues music, and I often attend live performances by local musicians.

Lastly, I enjoy playing sports, particularly soccer and basketball. I find team sports to be a great way to stay active and socialize with others who share similar interests.

Overall, my hobbies and interests reflect my love of learning, appreciation for nature and the arts, and my desire to stay active and engaged in a variety of activities.

Cooking

One of my hobbies and interests is cooking. I love experimenting with different cuisines, ingredients, and recipes.

Cooking allows me to express my creativity, learn new skills, and share my passion with others. I also enjoy watching cooking shows and reading cookbooks to get inspired and learn new techniques.

Cooking is not only a hobby for me, but also a way to relax, have fun, and nourish myself and my loved ones.