Leisure time and hobbies

Leisure time and hobbies

Free time after work or study is called leisure time. It is time for entertainment and fun. Going to the cinema, theatre, concerts, arts exhibitions are the most usual ways of spending free time for adults. Some people, especially the younger ones, prefer going to parties, pubs, coffee bars, clubs and discos, other like to stay at home watching TV, reading books or listening to music.

Many people spend their time practising their hobbies. There are many types of hobbies. One of the traditional ones is collecting of objects- stamps, pictures, postcards, matchbox labels, flags, coins, model cars or ships. The collecting becomes a life-long hobby for many people. They meet each other and swap things which they collect.

At the present more and more people of all ages are concerned with their health and spend some of their leisure time doing exercises to keep themselves fit. Because of this reason many sports are practiced as hobbies. Hiking, cycling, rowing, playing tennis are enjoyed by people all over the world. Body building and fitness centres help people stay healthy and fit.

The same result can be achieved by walking, jogging, swimming and aerobic which are also useful, effective and very popular ways of spending leisure time. Then there is keeping pets- a dog, a cat, a goldfish, a canary and other exotic animals. Especially British people love animals and almost every family has a pet, usually a cat or a dog becomes part of their family.

Many people love gardening, which is still one of the most popular hobbies. During summer and spring they spend a lot of time in their gardens.

Do-It-Yourself has become a very popular hobby. Many people like doing some practical jobs in the house or weekend cottages. They can repair or even make some pieces of furniture, do some house decoration or wall-painting. There are people who like doing the car-repairing by themselves. It is hobby especially for men.

Then there are hobbies practised by people who enjoy the arts. Drama acting, choir singing, folk dancing, modern dancing and pop-music playing in amateur groups are favourite activities of those who want to develop their talent. Photography, painting and drawing are also hobbies of art-loving people. Teenagers have their own special leisure interests.

These include playing some kind of team sport, dancing at a favourite disco, going to parties or joining some clubs. They like spending time actively in groups, in a good company. Nowadays there are popular roller-skating and skateboarding. There are some special hobbies like hot-air ballooning, windsurfing, wave-gliding practised on lakes and on the sea, dangerous sports=adrenaline sports.

Children often attend basic art schools, where they learn to play musical instruments for example piano, guitar, they learn singing, drawing. There exist also many dancing groups- they meet twice or three times a week and create new programs and choreography. When I have free time I usually watch TV, listen to music or do some sports. Usually I go cycling, hiking or swimming in summer and a love skiing in winter.

When the weather is bad and it rains outside I like sleeping or reading some magazines. When I was younger I attended an art school, drawing, but now it is only my hobby. As every young person I like spending weekend evenings outside with my friends. I go out with my friends in Spišská Nová Ves. I like dancing at disco very much and I like going to cinema when there is a good film.

Leisure time and hobbies – useful vocabulary

Useful phrases

• In my free time, I like...
  Vo voľnom čase rád/rada...
• I am interested in...
  Zaujímam sa o...
• My favourite hobby is...
  Môj obľúbený koníček je...
• I usually spend my leisure time by...
  Voľný čas zvyčajne trávim tým, že...
• When I have enough time, I prefer...
  Keď mám dosť času, uprednostňujem...
• It helps me relax.
  Pomáha mi to oddýchnuť si.
• It improves my mood.
  Zlepšuje mi to náladu.
• It keeps me fit and healthy.
  Udržiava ma to vo forme a zdraví.
• It is a good way to meet new people.
  Je to dobrý spôsob, ako spoznať nových ľudí.
• I am not very keen on...
  Veľmi ma nebaví...
• I prefer active hobbies to passive ones.
  Uprednostňujem aktívne záľuby pred pasívnymi.
• I think hobbies are important because...
  Myslím si, že záľuby sú dôležité, pretože...
• Some hobbies can be expensive or dangerous.
  Niektoré záľuby môžu byť drahé alebo nebezpečné.
• Everybody should have at least one hobby.
  Každý by mal mať aspoň jeden koníček.

Leisure time and hobbies – questions and answers

What is leisure time?

Leisure time is the time when people do not have to work, study or do their duties. They can relax, have fun, meet friends or practise their hobbies.

Why are hobbies important?

Hobbies are important because they help people relax, reduce stress and spend time usefully. They can also develop talent, creativity and physical fitness.

What are your favourite hobbies?

My favourite hobbies are listening to music, watching films, cycling, hiking and spending time with my friends. In winter, I also like skiing.

Do you prefer active or passive hobbies?

I prefer active hobbies because they are healthier and more interesting. However, when I am tired, I like passive hobbies such as watching films or listening to music.

What hobbies are popular among young people?

Young people usually like sports, music, dancing, computer games, social media, going to parties and spending time with friends.

Can hobbies become a job?

Yes, hobbies can become a job. For example, people who like photography can become photographers, and people who love sport can become coaches or professional sportsmen.