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A2 noun #3,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 12 دقيقة للقراءة

pasatiempo

الأكثر شيوعاً #3,500

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح pasatiempo في 30 ثانية

الشرح pasatiempo in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'pasatiempo' is introduced as a basic noun to describe what you like to do in your free time. You will learn it alongside verbs like 'gustar' (to like) and 'encantar' (to love). For example, 'Mi pasatiempo favorito es escuchar música.' Beginners use this word to build simple sentences about their daily lives and interests. It is essential for basic social interactions, such as introducing yourself to classmates or a pen pal. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep nuances between 'pasatiempo' and 'afición'; just focus on using it as the Spanish word for 'hobby.' You will also see it in the context of simple games, like 'sopa de letras' (word search). Learning this word helps you transition from talking only about work or school to talking about personal enjoyment. It is a masculine noun, so you always use 'un' or 'el' with it. Practice by listing three things you do on weekends and calling them your 'pasatiempos.'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'pasatiempo' in more varied sentence structures, including the past tense and frequency adverbs. You might say, 'Cuando era niño, mi pasatiempo era jugar con legos' or 'A veces busco un pasatiempo nuevo para no aburrirme.' You will also encounter the plural 'pasatiempos' more frequently in the context of magazines and leisure activities. This level requires you to distinguish 'pasatiempo' from 'tiempo libre.' Remember that 'tiempo libre' is the time you have, and 'pasatiempo' is what you do with it. You should also be able to ask others about their hobbies using the question '¿Cuál es tu pasatiempo favorito?' or '¿Qué haces como pasatiempo?' This allows for more interactive conversations. You might also start learning about specific categories of hobbies, such as 'manualidades' (crafts) or 'deportes' (sports), and how 'pasatiempo' serves as an umbrella term for all of them. It is a key word for the A2 speaking exams where you often have to describe your routine and personal interests.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start discussing the benefits and reasons behind your hobbies. You might use 'pasatiempo' with complex structures like the subjunctive or conditional: 'Es importante que todos tengan un pasatiempo para reducir el estrés' or 'Si tuviera más tiempo, buscaría un pasatiempo más creativo.' At this stage, you should also recognize 'pasatiempo' in written texts like blogs or newspaper articles about lifestyle and health. You will begin to notice the difference between a casual 'pasatiempo' and a more serious 'afición.' For example, you might explain that while cooking started as a 'pasatiempo,' it has now become a 'gran afición.' This level also introduces the use of 'pasatiempo' in professional contexts, such as describing 'soft skills' or interests on a resume. You are expected to use a wider range of verbs with the word, such as 'dedicar,' 'fomentar,' or 'desarrollar.' Understanding the cultural role of hobbies in Spanish-speaking societies—such as the importance of social hobbies like 'ir de tapas' or 'jugar al dominó'—becomes more relevant here.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, 'pasatiempo' is used in more abstract and argumentative contexts. You might participate in a debate about whether modern technology is killing traditional 'pasatiempos' or if video games should be considered a productive 'pasatiempo.' You will use the word in more sophisticated idiomatic expressions and collocations, such as 'pasatiempo nacional' (national pastime) or 'mero pasatiempo' (mere pastime/casual distraction). Your ability to use synonyms like 'ocio,' 'entretenimiento,' and 'distracción' should be fluid, allowing you to avoid repetition in longer essays. You will also encounter 'pasatiempo' in literature and more formal media, where it might be used to critique social habits or describe the character of a person. For instance, a character might be described as having 'pasatiempos aristocráticos' or 'pasatiempos vulgares.' At B2, you should also be comfortable with the specific use of 'pasatiempos' to refer to mental puzzles and how they are used as tools for cognitive health in various age groups. You should be able to write a coherent article or give a presentation on the importance of maintaining a balance between work and 'pasatiempos.'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'pasatiempo' reaches a near-native level of nuance. You can use the word to discuss complex psychological concepts, such as the 'flow state' achieved during a favorite 'pasatiempo.' You will recognize the word in historical contexts, perhaps reading about the 'pasatiempos' of the Spanish court in the 17th century or how the concept of leisure has evolved through the centuries. You are expected to use the word with precision, distinguishing it from 'vocación' (vocation) or 'oficio' (trade). In a C1 essay, you might analyze the economic impact of the 'industria de los pasatiempos' or the sociological implications of collective hobbies in urban environments. You will also be sensitive to regional variations, such as how 'pasatiempo' might be used slightly differently in the Southern Cone versus the Caribbean or Spain. Your vocabulary will include related terms like 'lúdico' (playful/related to games) and 'hedonismo' (hedonism), allowing you to place the concept of a 'pasatiempo' within a broader philosophical or social framework. You can effortlessly switch between 'pasatiempo' as a casual term and more elevated synonyms depending on the audience and purpose of your communication.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, 'pasatiempo' is a tool for masterful expression. You can use it ironically, metaphorically, or in highly specialized discourse. You might analyze how a 'pasatiempo' can transcend its casual origins to become a defining cultural movement or a form of political resistance. Your mastery allows you to appreciate the word's presence in high literature, where it might be used to symbolize the passage of time, the vanity of human pursuits, or the search for meaning in a secular world. You will have a deep understanding of the etymological roots and how the compound structure 'pasar-tiempo' reflects a specific Mediterranean or Hispanic view of time and existence. In professional or academic settings, you can discuss the 'pedagogía de los pasatiempos' (the pedagogy of hobbies) or their role in geriatric therapy with authority. You are also able to identify subtle shifts in meaning in archaic texts where 'pasatiempo' might have had slightly different connotations. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a concept you can deconstruct and manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning in both written and spoken Spanish.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

pasatiempo في 30 ثانية

Pasatiempo means hobby or pastime in Spanish.
It is a masculine compound noun: pasar + tiempo.
It often refers specifically to puzzles and crosswords.
It is a common topic in social and professional introductions.

The Spanish word pasatiempo is a compound noun formed by the verb pasar (to pass) and the noun tiempo (time). Literally, it translates to 'time-passer.' In a general sense, it refers to any activity that a person does for enjoyment during their leisure time. It is the direct equivalent of the English word 'hobby.' However, in Spanish-speaking cultures, the usage of 'pasatiempo' can carry slightly different connotations depending on the specific activity and the region. While it describes broad activities like gardening or painting, it also has a very specific secondary meaning: it is frequently used to describe the puzzles, crosswords, and word-search games found in newspapers and magazines. When you walk into a quiosco (newsstand) in Spain or Latin America, you will see books labeled 'Pasatiempos' filled with Sudoku and crucigramas.

General Leisure: Refers to any habitual activity pursued for pleasure, such as collecting stamps, hiking, or playing an instrument. It implies a lack of professional obligation.

Mi abuelo tiene un pasatiempo muy curioso: construye barcos en botellas de vidrio.

Understanding the nuance between 'pasatiempo' and 'afición' is crucial for intermediate learners. While 'pasatiempo' suggests an activity to pass the time or a casual distraction, 'afición' often implies a deeper passion or a more serious commitment to the hobby. If you simply enjoy doing crosswords on the bus, it is a pasatiempo. If you are a devoted amateur astronomer with expensive equipment, you might call it your afición. In common speech, however, they are often used interchangeably to avoid repetition.

Specific Games: Refers to crosswords (crucigramas), word searches (sopa de letras), and logic puzzles. This is a very common usage in daily life.

Compré una revista de pasatiempos para entretenerme durante el largo viaje en tren.

In professional contexts, such as a job interview, a recruiter might ask '¿Qué pasatiempos tiene?' to understand your personality outside of work. Here, the word is neutral and polite. It is also a word that bridges generations; children use it to talk about their toys or games, while elderly people use it to describe their gardening or knitting. It is one of the most versatile nouns for discussing life balance and personal interests in the Spanish language.

Etymological Insight: The formation of the word mirrors the English 'pastime.' It highlights the human need to occupy the mind to prevent boredom or 'to pass the time' effectively.

La lectura es su pasatiempo favorito; siempre tiene un libro en la mano.

No tengo mucho tiempo para un pasatiempo serio, pero me gusta caminar por el parque.

¿Cuál era tu pasatiempo preferido cuando eras niño?

Using pasatiempo correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and the common verbs that accompany it. Since it describes an activity, it is frequently the object of verbs relating to possession, preference, or time management. The most common verb to use with pasatiempo is ser when defining what the hobby is, or tener when stating that you possess a hobby. For more advanced usage, verbs like dedicarse a (to dedicate oneself to) or cultivar (to cultivate/develop) are used to show a more active engagement with the hobby.

Possession and Existence: Used with 'tener' or 'ser' to identify a hobby. Example: 'Mi pasatiempo es la fotografía' (My hobby is photography).

Muchos jóvenes hoy en día tienen los videojuegos como su principal pasatiempo.

When discussing the act of doing a hobby, we often use the plural pasatiempos. This is especially true when referring to a variety of interests or the puzzle category. For instance, if you are packing for a vacation, you might say, 'Traje algunos pasatiempos para el avión,' implying you brought crossword books or small games. If you are talking about your life in general, you might say, 'Tengo varios pasatiempos,' which means you have several different hobbies.

Verbs of Engagement: Commonly paired with 'practicar', 'disfrutar de', or 'encontrar'. Example: 'Necesito encontrar un nuevo pasatiempo'.

Ella dedica todo su tiempo libre a su pasatiempo de restaurar muebles antiguos.

In more descriptive or literary contexts, 'pasatiempo' can be modified by adjectives to describe the nature of the activity. You might have a pasatiempo productivo (productive hobby), a pasatiempo costoso (expensive hobby), or a pasatiempo solitario (solitary hobby). These modifiers help provide more detail about how the person spends their time. Furthermore, the word can function as an appositive to explain an activity: 'La pintura, su pasatiempo favorito, le ayuda a relajarse' (Painting, her favorite hobby, helps her relax).

The Puzzle Context: When using the word to mean puzzles, it often appears with 'hacer' (to do) or 'resolver' (to solve).

A mi padre le encanta resolver los pasatiempos del periódico cada mañana.

No considero el trabajo como un pasatiempo; es una responsabilidad seria.

¿Tienes algún pasatiempo que compartas con tu familia?

You will encounter the word pasatiempo in a wide variety of real-world scenarios across the Spanish-speaking world. One of the most common places is in media and retail. If you visit a bookstore or a newsstand, you will see an entire section dedicated to 'Pasatiempos.' These are small, cheaply printed booklets containing crosswords, Sudoku, and word searches. They are incredibly popular for people commuting on subways or buses, or for those spending a day at the beach. In this context, the word is almost synonymous with 'mental exercise' or 'casual gaming.'

Newsstands and Media: In newspapers, the 'Pasatiempos' section is usually near the back, next to the weather or the horoscopes.

El quiosquero me recomendó un libro de pasatiempos nivel experto.

Another very common setting is social introductions. When meeting someone for the first time, especially in a relaxed environment like a party or a language exchange, asking about hobbies is a standard 'icebreaker.' While younger generations might use the English word 'hobby' or the word 'aficiones,' 'pasatiempo' remains a safe, universal term that everyone understands. It is also a staple of school curriculum; children are taught the word 'pasatiempo' very early on to describe their interests like 'jugar al fútbol' or 'dibujar.'

Job Interviews and CVs: On a Spanish curriculum vitae (CV), there is often a section titled 'Otros datos de interés' or simply 'Pasatiempos' where you list your interests.

En la entrevista, me preguntaron si mi pasatiempo de programar me ayudaba en el trabajo.

You will also hear the word in the context of elderly care and community centers. Programs designed for retirees often focus on 'pasatiempos saludables' (healthy hobbies) to keep the mind sharp and prevent loneliness. Whether it's a gardening club in Mexico City or a chess tournament in Madrid, the word serves as a banner for organized leisure activities. Finally, in digital spaces, apps that feature logic games often categorize themselves under 'Juegos y Pasatiempos' in the App Store or Google Play.

Digital Apps: Mobile games that involve crosswords or word searches are almost always referred to as 'pasatiempos digitales'.

Descargué una aplicación de pasatiempos para no aburrirme en el avión.

¿Cuál es el pasatiempo nacional en este país?

Mi madre dice que tejer no es solo un pasatiempo, es una terapia.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the English word 'hobby' with Spanish pronunciation instead of using pasatiempo. While 'hobby' is understood and used as an Anglicism (especially in Spain), relying on it exclusively can make your Spanish sound less authentic. Another common error is confusing 'pasatiempo' with 'tiempo libre.' Remember: tiempo libre is the 'free time' (the resource), while pasatiempo is the 'hobby' (the activity done during that time). You cannot say 'tengo un pasatiempo de tres horas,' you would say 'tengo tres horas de tiempo libre.'

Confusion with 'Tiempo Libre': Mistake: Using 'pasatiempo' to mean the duration of free time. Correct: Use it for the activity itself.

Incorrecto: Aprovecho mi pasatiempo para dormir. (Should be: Aprovecho mi tiempo libre para dormir).

A second error involves the pluralization and specific meaning of 'pasatiempos.' As mentioned before, 'pasatiempos' (plural) is often used to refer to puzzles. If you tell someone 'Me gustan los pasatiempos,' they might think you specifically mean crosswords and Sudokus. If you want to talk about hobbies in general, it is often clearer to say 'Mis aficiones' or 'Mis pasatiempos favoritos' and then list them. Furthermore, some learners try to use 'pasatiempo' as a verb. Spanish does not have a direct verb form for 'to hobby.' You must use a phrase like 'practicar un pasatiempo' or 'dedicarse a una afición.'

Gender Errors: Learners sometimes assume compound words ending in '-o' might change to '-a' for women. This is never the case with 'pasatiempo'. It is always masculine.

Incorrecto: Ella tiene una pasatiempo interesante. (Correcto: Ella tiene un pasatiempo interesante).

Lastly, be careful with the register. In very formal or academic writing, 'pasatiempo' might be seen as too casual if you are describing a serious intellectual pursuit. In those cases, words like 'disciplina,' 'interés,' or 'campo de estudio' might be more appropriate. For example, a scholar wouldn't call their research a 'pasatiempo' unless they were being self-deprecating. However, for 95% of daily conversations, 'pasatiempo' is the perfect word.

The 'Hobby' Anglicism: Avoid saying 'mi hobby es...' in formal exams; use 'mi pasatiempo es...' or 'mi afición es...' to demonstrate a higher vocabulary level.

Es un error pensar que un pasatiempo es una pérdida de tiempo; es vital para la salud mental.

Mucha gente confunde un pasatiempo con una obsesión.

No dejes que tu pasatiempo interfiera con tus estudios.

While pasatiempo is a great all-purpose word, Spanish offers several alternatives that can add precision to your speech. The most common synonym is afición. While they are often interchangeable, afición tends to imply a stronger emotional connection or a deeper level of skill. For instance, someone might have a 'pasatiempo' of watching movies, but an 'afición' for cinema history. Another word is entretenimiento, which refers more to the state of being entertained or the industry of entertainment (like movies and theater) rather than a personal hobby.

Pasatiempo vs. Afición: 'Pasatiempo' is casual (passing time); 'Afición' is passionate (being a fan/enthusiast). 'Aficionado' is the person who has the hobby.

Su pasatiempo es la jardinería, pero su verdadera afición es la botánica exótica.

Another useful term is ocio. This is a broader noun that means 'leisure' or 'spare time.' You might talk about the 'industria del ocio' (leisure industry) or 'actividades de ocio' (leisure activities). While a 'pasatiempo' is a specific activity, 'ocio' is the concept of non-work time. Additionally, distracción can be used as a synonym for 'pasatiempo' when the goal is to distract oneself from stress or routine. For example, 'El dibujo es mi distracción favorita después del trabajo.'

Other Alternatives: 'Diversión' (fun/amusement), 'Deporte' (if the hobby is physical), 'Interés' (interest).

Buscaba una distracción para olvidarse de los problemas de la oficina.

In a very informal context, you might hear people use the word vicio (literally 'vice'). This is usually used jokingly to describe a hobby that someone is 'addicted' to in a harmless way, like a specific video game. For example, 'Tengo un vicio con ese juego de cartas.' However, this is slang and should be used carefully. For formal writing, stick to 'pasatiempo' or 'afición.' Understanding these synonyms allows you to vary your language and sound more like a native speaker who can distinguish between a casual distraction and a lifelong passion.

The Anglicism 'Hobby': Very common in Spain. Pluralized often as 'hobbies'. Pronounced with a silent or soft 'h'.

¿Tienes algún hobby que te apasione de verdad?

El ajedrez es un pasatiempo que requiere mucha concentración.

No es solo un entretenimiento pasajero; es algo que estudio con rigor.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The structure of 'pasatiempo' is nearly identical to the English 'pastime,' showing a shared logic in how European languages describe leisure activities.

دليل النطق

UK /pæ.sə.tiˈem.pəʊ/

US /ˌpɑːsəˈtijɛmpoʊ/

The stress is on the penultimate (second to last) syllable: pa-sa-TIEM-po.

يتقافى مع

tiempo contratiempo destiempo atiempo entretiempo limpio (slant rhyme) templo (slant rhyme) ejemplo (slant rhyme)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (as in English); it should be a soft, dental 't'.
Misplacing the stress on 'pa' or 'sa'.
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'tiem' like the 'e' in 'the'; it should be like 'e' in 'met'.
Treating it as two words: 'pasatiempo' is one single word.
Pronouncing the final 'o' like 'oo' in 'food'; it should be a short, clipped 'o'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it looks like 'pastime'.

الكتابة 2/5

Easy, but remember it is a compound word with no space.

التحدث 2/5

Requires correct stress on the 'tiem' syllable.

الاستماع 1/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

pasar tiempo gustar hacer jugar

تعلّم لاحقاً

afición ocio entretenimiento manualidades coleccionismo

متقدم

lúdico hedonismo vocación esparcimiento recreación

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Compound Nouns

Pasatiempo is formed by Verb + Noun. These are almost always masculine singular.

Verbs like Gustar

Me gusta el pasatiempo (I like the hobby). The hobby is the subject.

Pluralization of Compounds

To make it plural, add -s: pasatiempos.

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Un pasatiempo entretenido (An entertaining hobby). Both are masculine.

Using Infinitives as Nouns

Leer es mi pasatiempo (Reading is my hobby). Infinitives often define the hobby.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Mi pasatiempo es leer.

My hobby is reading.

Simple subject + verb 'ser' + infinitive.

¿Cuál es tu pasatiempo?

What is your hobby?

Basic question structure with 'cuál'.

Me gusta mi pasatiempo.

I like my hobby.

Using the verb 'gustar'.

Tengo un pasatiempo nuevo.

I have a new hobby.

Noun-adjective agreement (masculine singular).

Él no tiene un pasatiempo.

He doesn't have a hobby.

Negative sentence with 'tener'.

Cantar es un pasatiempo divertido.

Singing is a fun hobby.

Gerund/Infinitive as subject.

Los pasatiempos son buenos.

Hobbies are good.

Plural form 'pasatiempos'.

Busco un pasatiempo fácil.

I'm looking for an easy hobby.

Verb 'buscar' + noun.

Mi pasatiempo favorito es la cocina.

My favorite hobby is cooking.

Use of 'favorito' as an adjective.

Hago pasatiempos en el tren.

I do puzzles on the train.

Contextual use of 'pasatiempos' as puzzles.

Ella tenía muchos pasatiempos de niña.

She had many hobbies as a girl.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

¿Qué haces como pasatiempo los domingos?

What do you do as a hobby on Sundays?

Preposition 'como' to indicate role.

Quiero encontrar un pasatiempo relajante.

I want to find a relaxing hobby.

Infinitive 'encontrar' after 'querer'.

Los pasatiempos ayudan a descansar.

Hobbies help one to rest.

Verb 'ayudar' followed by 'a' + infinitive.

No es un pasatiempo caro.

It is not an expensive hobby.

Adjective 'caro' modifying 'pasatiempo'.

Mis amigos y yo compartimos un pasatiempo.

My friends and I share a hobby.

Verb 'compartir' with plural subject.

Es necesario tener un pasatiempo para evitar el estrés.

It is necessary to have a hobby to avoid stress.

Impersonal expression 'es necesario'.

Si tuviera tiempo, mi pasatiempo sería la pintura.

If I had time, my hobby would be painting.

Second conditional (Si + imperfect subjunctive + conditional).

He descubierto un pasatiempo fascinante: la astronomía.

I have discovered a fascinating hobby: astronomy.

Present perfect tense.

Aunque es solo un pasatiempo, lo tomo muy en serio.

Although it is only a hobby, I take it very seriously.

Conjunction 'aunque' with indicative.

No conozco a nadie que no tenga un pasatiempo.

I don't know anyone who doesn't have a hobby.

Subjunctive in a relative clause with a negative antecedent.

Ella dedica dos horas diarias a su pasatiempo.

She dedicates two hours a day to her hobby.

Verb 'dedicar' + time + 'a'.

Los pasatiempos digitales son muy populares ahora.

Digital hobbies are very popular now.

Adjective 'digitales' in plural.

Me gustaría que mi pasatiempo fuera mi trabajo.

I would like my hobby to be my job.

Verb 'gustaría' + 'que' + imperfect subjunctive.

El coleccionismo es un pasatiempo que requiere paciencia.

Collecting is a hobby that requires patience.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Muchos consideran el fútbol como el pasatiempo nacional.

Many consider soccer as the national pastime.

Fixed expression 'pasatiempo nacional'.

A pesar de ser un simple pasatiempo, requiere mucha técnica.

Despite being a simple hobby, it requires a lot of technique.

'A pesar de' + infinitive.

Los pasatiempos de lógica ayudan a mantener el cerebro activo.

Logic puzzles help keep the brain active.

Noun phrase as subject.

Buscaba un pasatiempo que me permitiera desconectar del mundo.

I was looking for a hobby that would allow me to disconnect from the world.

Imperfect subjunctive in a relative clause.

El dibujo pasó de ser un pasatiempo a ser su profesión.

Drawing went from being a hobby to being his profession.

Prepositional phrase 'de... a...'.

No entiendo ese pasatiempo de coleccionar cosas viejas.

I don't understand that hobby of collecting old things.

Demonstrative adjective 'ese'.

Es fundamental fomentar pasatiempos saludables en la infancia.

It is fundamental to promote healthy hobbies in childhood.

Infinitive 'fomentar' as subject complement.

La filatelia, antaño un pasatiempo común, hoy es una rareza.

Philately, once a common hobby, is a rarity today.

Use of the adverb 'antaño'.

Su pasatiempo roza la obsesión por la perfección.

His hobby borders on an obsession with perfection.

Verb 'rozar' meaning 'to border on'.

Incluso un pasatiempo trivial puede revelar mucho sobre el carácter.

Even a trivial hobby can reveal a lot about character.

Adjective 'trivial' modifying 'pasatiempo'.

El ocio no debe ser solo un pasatiempo vacío, sino enriquecedor.

Leisure should not be just an empty pastime, but an enriching one.

Contrastive structure 'no solo... sino...'.

Se entregó a su pasatiempo con una devoción casi mística.

He gave himself to his hobby with an almost mystical devotion.

Pronominal verb 'entregarse a'.

Los pasatiempos intelectuales son el refugio de los sabios.

Intellectual pastimes are the refuge of the wise.

Adjective 'intelectuales' in plural.

Cualquier pasatiempo es lícito si proporciona paz mental.

Any hobby is legitimate if it provides peace of mind.

Indefinite adjective 'cualquier'.

Ese pasatiempo suyo le ha costado una pequeña fortuna.

That hobby of his has cost him a small fortune.

Possessive pronoun 'suyo' after the noun.

La aristocracia decimonónica cultivaba pasatiempos de gran refinamiento.

The 19th-century aristocracy cultivated pastimes of great refinement.

Historical adjective 'decimonónica'.

El concepto de pasatiempo ha mutado con la era de la inmediatez.

The concept of pastime has mutated with the era of immediacy.

Abstract usage of 'pasatiempo'.

Lo que para unos es trabajo, para otros es un mero pasatiempo.

What for some is work, for others is a mere pastime.

Relative pronoun 'lo que'.

Su vida carecía de pasatiempos, lo cual la hacía monótona.

Her life lacked hobbies, which made it monotonous.

Verb 'carecer de'.

Es un error tildar la poesía de simple pasatiempo burgués.

It is an error to label poetry as a simple bourgeois pastime.

Verb 'tildar de' (to label as).

Los pasatiempos se erigen como baluartes contra el tedio existencial.

Hobbies stand as bastions against existential tedium.

Metaphorical verb 'erigirse como'.

Se sumergió en los pasatiempos para evadir una realidad asfixiante.

He immersed himself in hobbies to evade a stifling reality.

Verb 'sumergirse en'.

La frontera entre el pasatiempo y la patología es a veces difusa.

The border between hobby and pathology is sometimes blurred.

Nouns 'frontera' and 'patología'.

تلازمات شائعة

pasatiempo favorito

buscar un pasatiempo

practicar un pasatiempo

revista de pasatiempos

pasatiempo nacional

mero pasatiempo

pasatiempo saludable

tener un pasatiempo

dedicarse a un pasatiempo

pasatiempo solitario

العبارات الشائعة

¿Qué haces como pasatiempo?

— What do you do for a hobby? A common way to ask someone about their interests.

Hola, mucho gusto. ¿Qué haces como pasatiempo?

Como pasatiempo...

— Used to introduce an activity you do for fun. Similar to 'As a hobby...'

Como pasatiempo, me gusta restaurar relojes antiguos.

Solo por pasatiempo

— Doing something just for fun or to kill time, not professionally.

Pinto cuadros solo por pasatiempo, no para venderlos.

Un pasatiempo caro

— Refers to a hobby that requires a lot of money.

El golf es un pasatiempo caro en esta ciudad.

Pasatiempos de lógica

— Brain games like Sudoku or logic grids.

Me encantan los pasatiempos de lógica difíciles.

Pasatiempo productivo

— A hobby that results in something useful or a new skill.

Aprender idiomas es un pasatiempo productivo.

Encontrar un pasatiempo

— The act of discovering a new interest.

Después de jubilarse, tuvo que encontrar un pasatiempo.

Pasatiempo favorito de todos

— A very popular activity in a group or society.

Hablar de política es el pasatiempo favorito de todos aquí.

Dedicar tiempo al pasatiempo

— To spend time focusing on a hobby.

Intento dedicar tiempo a mi pasatiempo cada noche.

Pasatiempos infantiles

— Hobbies typically associated with children.

Coleccionar cromos es uno de los pasatiempos infantiles clásicos.

يُخلط عادةً مع

pasatiempo vs tiempo libre

Tiempo libre is the time itself; pasatiempo is the activity you do.

pasatiempo vs juego

A juego is a game with rules; a pasatiempo is a broader hobby.

pasatiempo vs oficio

An oficio is a trade or job; a pasatiempo is for fun.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Matar el tiempo"

— To do something just to make time pass quickly, often related to pasatiempos.

Estoy haciendo este pasatiempo para matar el tiempo mientras espero.

informal

"Pasar el rato"

— To spend time in a relaxed way, often doing a hobby.

Solo estamos pasando el rato con nuestros pasatiempos.

neutral

"Por amor al arte"

— Doing something for the pure love of it, which describes most pasatiempos.

Él toca la guitarra por amor al arte, es su pasatiempo.

neutral

"Estar en su salsa"

— To be in one's element, often while doing a favorite pasatiempo.

Cuando cocina, que es su pasatiempo, está en su salsa.

informal

"Darse el gusto"

— To treat oneself to something enjoyable, like a hobby.

Me di el gusto de comprar una revista de pasatiempos cara.

neutral

"Perder el tiempo"

— To waste time; sometimes people mistakenly call hobbies this.

Algunos dicen que los videojuegos son perder el tiempo, pero son mi pasatiempo.

neutral

"Hacer algo por afición"

— To do something as a hobby/interest.

Él corre maratones por afición.

neutral

"Tener madera de..."

— To have the natural talent for a hobby.

Tiene madera de artista; su pasatiempo es la escultura.

informal

"Sacar tiempo de donde no hay"

— To find time for a hobby despite being very busy.

Saca tiempo de donde no hay para su pasatiempo.

informal

"Ser un hacha en..."

— To be an expert at a specific hobby.

Es un hacha en los pasatiempos de lógica.

informal (Spain)

سهل الخلط

pasatiempo vs afición

Both mean hobby.

Afición implies more passion or 'being a fan'. Pasatiempo is more about passing time.

Su afición por el Real Madrid es enorme; su pasatiempo es el tenis.

pasatiempo vs entretenimiento

Both involve fun.

Entretenimiento is often passive (watching TV). Pasatiempo is usually an active pursuit.

El cine es su entretenimiento, pero la pintura es su pasatiempo.

pasatiempo vs distracción

Both occupy time.

Distracción is something that pulls you away from focus. Pasatiempo is a chosen activity.

El ruido es una distracción; el ajedrez es un pasatiempo.

pasatiempo vs hobby

It is the direct English translation.

Hobby is an Anglicism used casually. Pasatiempo is the native Spanish term.

En España dicen 'hobby' a veces, pero 'pasatiempo' es más correcto.

pasatiempo vs tarea

Both are activities.

Tarea is a task or homework (obligatory). Pasatiempo is voluntary.

Termina tu tarea antes de empezar con tu pasatiempo.

أنماط الجُمل

Mi pasatiempo es [Actividad].

Mi pasatiempo es correr.

Tengo un pasatiempo que es [Actividad].

Tengo un pasatiempo que es cocinar.

Dedico mi tiempo libre a mi pasatiempo de [Actividad].

Dedico mi tiempo libre a mi pasatiempo de pintar.

Aunque solo es un pasatiempo, me gusta [Verbo].

Aunque solo es un pasatiempo, me gusta investigar.

Lo que comenzó como un pasatiempo terminó siendo [Sustantivo].

Lo que comenzó como un pasatiempo terminó siendo una obsesión.

¿Cuál es el pasatiempo de [Persona]?

¿Cuál es el pasatiempo de tu hermano?

Es bueno tener un pasatiempo para [Propósito].

Es bueno tener un pasatiempo para relajarse.

No considero que [Actividad] sea un pasatiempo.

No considero que dormir sea un pasatiempo.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

tiempo (time)

pasatiempo (hobby)

pasatiempos (puzzles/hobbies)

pasante (intern/passerby)

الأفعال

pasar (to pass)

traspasar (to transfer/go beyond)

repasar (to review)

الصفات

pasajero (fleeting/passenger)

pasado (past)

pasable (passable)

مرتبط

aficionado (fan/enthusiast)

afición (hobby/passion)

entretenimiento (entertainment)

ocio (leisure)

distracción (distraction)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Spanish.

أخطاء شائعة

La pasatiempo → El pasatiempo
Even though it ends in 'o', some learners get confused by the 'a' in 'pasa'. It is always masculine.
Mi pasatiempo es por tres horas. → Tengo tres horas de tiempo libre.
Don't use 'pasatiempo' to mean the duration of time; use it for the activity.
Yo pasatiempo mucho. → Practico mucho mi pasatiempo.
Pasatiempo is a noun, not a verb. You cannot conjugate it.
Mis hobbies favoritos son... → Mis pasatiempos favoritos son...
While 'hobbies' is used, 'pasatiempos' is better Spanish, especially in writing.
Un pasatiempos → Un pasatiempo
Don't use the plural form when referring to a single hobby.

نصائح

Compound Nouns

Remember that pasatiempo is a compound noun (pasar + tiempo). Most compound nouns in Spanish follow this pattern and are masculine.

Specific Puzzles

If you are in a shop, look for 'libros de pasatiempos' if you want a book of crosswords and Sudokus.

Icebreaker

Asking '¿Tienes algún pasatiempo?' is one of the best ways to keep a conversation going with a new Spanish-speaking friend.

CV Writing

In the 'Interests' section of your resume, use 'Pasatiempos' as a clear and professional heading.

The 'Tiem' Sound

Make sure the 'ie' in 'tiempo' sounds like 'ye' in 'yes'. Don't separate them into two syllables.

Regional Use

In some Latin American countries, you might hear 'pasatiempo' used for snacks, but 'hobby' is the primary meaning everywhere.

Mnemonic

Think of it as 'Passing Time'. It's the most literal translation and will help you remember the word forever.

Not for Work

Never use pasatiempo to describe your main job, even if you love it. It implies something done only in leisure.

DELE Exam Tip

For the DELE A2/B1 exams, be prepared to talk about your pasatiempos for at least 2 minutes.

App Stores

Search for 'pasatiempos' in the App Store to find Spanish-language puzzle games to practice your vocabulary.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Pass-a-Time-o'. You are passing the time with an 'o' (object/hobby) at the end.

ربط بصري

Imagine a clock (tiempo) with a bridge (pasar) over it, and you are sitting on the bridge painting a picture.

Word Web

ocio crucigrama afición diversión tiempo libre hobby entretenimiento interés

تحدٍّ

Write down five things you enjoy doing and label them 'Mis Pasatiempos'. Then, find a Spanish crossword online and solve one 'pasatiempo'.

أصل الكلمة

Formed in Spanish by combining the verb 'pasar' (from Latin 'passare') and the noun 'tiempo' (from Latin 'tempus').

المعنى الأصلي: Literally 'that which passes the time.'

Romance (Spanish)

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities; it is a very positive and neutral word.

While English speakers often use 'hobby,' Spanish speakers have 'pasatiempo' and 'afición,' which offer a bit more variety in meaning.

The 'Pasatiempos' section of major newspapers like ABC or El Mundo. The song 'Pasatiempo' by various Latin artists exploring the theme of casual love. Traditional Spanish board games like Parchís often classified as pasatiempos.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Socializing

¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos?
Tenemos pasatiempos parecidos.
Me gustaría probar ese pasatiempo.
¿Es un pasatiempo común aquí?

At a newsstand

¿Tiene revistas de pasatiempos?
Busco un libro de pasatiempos para el viaje.
¿Son pasatiempos difíciles?
Me llevo este de crucigramas y pasatiempos.

Job Interview

Mis pasatiempos incluyen el voluntariado.
Ese pasatiempo me ha enseñado liderazgo.
¿Es relevante mencionar mis pasatiempos?
Tengo pasatiempos muy diversos.

At Home

Voy a dedicar un rato a mi pasatiempo.
¿Dónde dejaste mi revista de pasatiempos?
Este es mi pasatiempo para relajarme.
No tengo tiempo para pasatiempos hoy.

School/Education

Dibuja tu pasatiempo favorito.
Escribe sobre un pasatiempo interesante.
¿Qué pasatiempos tenían tus abuelos?
Hacer pasatiempos es bueno para la mente.

بدايات محادثة

"Si tuvieras todo el dinero del mundo, ¿cuál sería tu pasatiempo?"

"¿Has probado algún pasatiempo nuevo durante el último año?"

"¿Crees que es posible convertir un pasatiempo en un negocio?"

"¿Cuál es el pasatiempo más raro que has escuchado?"

"¿Prefieres los pasatiempos solitarios o los que se hacen en grupo?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe tu pasatiempo favorito y explica por qué te hace sentir bien.

Si pudieras aprender cualquier pasatiempo nuevo mañana, ¿cuál elegirías y por qué?

Reflexiona sobre cómo han cambiado tus pasatiempos desde que eras un niño.

¿Es el trabajo un pasatiempo para algunas personas? Escribe tu opinión.

Haz una lista de pasatiempos que no cuestan dinero y cómo podrías empezar uno.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Es masculino. Siempre se dice 'el pasatiempo' o 'un pasatiempo'. Esto es común en palabras compuestas que comienzan con un verbo (pasar).

Sí, en contextos informales y en muchos países como España es muy común. Sin embargo, en exámenes formales o escritura académica, se prefiere 'pasatiempo' o 'afición'.

En ese contexto, se refiere específicamente a acertijos, crucigramas, sopas de letras y otros juegos mentales.

'Pasatiempo' es más casual (para pasar el tiempo). 'Afición' sugiere una pasión más profunda o ser un entusiasta de algo.

Se dice 'mi pasatiempo favorito' o 'mi afición favorita'. Recuerda que 'favorito' debe concordar en género con el sustantivo.

Sí, es correcto. También puedes usar 'practicar un pasatiempo' o 'tener un pasatiempo'.

No, no lleva tilde porque es una palabra llana terminada en vocal y el acento recae en la penúltima sílaba 'tiem'.

Sí, si practicas un deporte por diversión y no profesionalmente, puedes llamarlo tu pasatiempo.

Extremadamente común. Se enseña en los primeros niveles de español (A1-A2) y se usa a diario.

Simplemente se añade una 's' al final: 'pasatiempos'.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات