50 Hobby Expressions Every ESL Learner Should Master Fast

Looking for the ultimate list of hobby expressions? You’re in the right place. This post packs everything you need in one handy guide.

I’ve gathered 50 expressions that real speakers use every day. Each one comes with clear contexts and simple examples, so you can teach them right away.

Use the list to spark lively conversations and quick‑fire questions. Turn the expressions into vocabulary drills, compare them with idioms, or mix them into fun role‑plays.

Need deeper practice? Create mini‑debate sessions where students defend their favorite hobbies using the new language. The expressions keep the talk natural—and the room buzzing.

Best of all, every idea here saves prep time. Just copy, adapt, and watch your learners speak with confidence from the first lesson to the last.

Why Hobby Expressions Are Important in ESL Teaching

Talking about hobbies is one of the most common topics in everyday English. People often use hobby expressions when getting to know each other or making small talk. That’s why learners need to know how to talk about their interests naturally.

In ESL classes, hobby expressions help students build confidence in speaking. These expressions are easy to relate to because everyone has hobbies. Even shy learners feel more comfortable talking about things they enjoy.

Hobby expressions also teach students how to express feelings, habits, and opinions. This helps improve fluency and teaches sentence patterns used in real-life conversations. Learners can also compare their hobbies, ask questions, and learn from each other.

Teachers can use this topic to create interactive speaking activities. By practicing hobby expressions in pairs or groups, learners develop both their vocabulary and social skills. It also makes the class more fun and meaningful.

Overall, teaching hobby expressions is a simple way to improve speaking, listening, and even writing. It connects language with real-life use, which is exactly what ESL students need.

50 Most Common Hobby Expressions for ESL Fluency

Here comes the heart of this post—your complete list of 50 most common hobby expressions.

These expressions are what native speakers actually use when they talk about their hobbies. Each one includes when to use it and how it sounds in real-life sentences, so your students don’t just memorize—they communicate.

You can use this list as a ready-to-go resource for lessons, games, role-plays, or even writing prompts. Let’s jump in!

1. What do you do in your free time?

Context (When to Use):
Use this question to start a conversation about hobbies or interests. It’s commonly asked when meeting someone new or during casual discussions in class or social settings.

Example Sentences:
a) “So, what do you do in your free time?”
b) “We talked about work, but not hobbies—what do you do in your free time?”
c) “I ask all my students: what do you do in your free time?”

2. I’m really into…

Context (When to Use):
Use this expression to talk about a hobby or activity you are currently very interested in. It’s great for casual, enthusiastic sharing.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’m really into photography these days.”
b) “She’s really into painting and spends hours on it.”
c) “I used to like running, but now I’m really into yoga.”

3. I enjoy…

Context (When to Use):
Use this to politely and clearly express something you like doing. It works well in both formal and informal conversations.

Example Sentences:
a) “I enjoy reading historical novels.”
b) “He enjoys cycling every weekend.”
c) “I enjoy playing chess when I have some quiet time.”

4. I like to spend time…

Context (When to Use):
Use this expression when explaining how you typically use your free time or what you enjoy doing regularly.

Example Sentences:
a) “I like to spend time gardening in the morning.”
b) “She likes to spend time sketching after school.”
c) “On Sundays, I like to spend time watching old movies.”

5. I’m passionate about…

Context (When to Use):
Use this when describing a hobby or activity you deeply care about. It shows strong interest and emotional connection.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’m passionate about animal rescue and volunteer work.”
b) “He’s passionate about writing poetry.”
c) “I’m passionate about dance—especially classical styles.”

6. One of my favorite hobbies is…

Context (When to Use):
Use this when listing your top hobbies or sharing something you truly enjoy regularly. It’s often used when someone asks about your interests.

Example Sentences:
a) “One of my favorite hobbies is baking.”
b) “I have many hobbies, but one of my favorites is hiking.”
c) “One of my favorite hobbies is playing the guitar.”

7. I usually… on weekends.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to describe your weekend routine or how you like to relax or be productive on weekends.

Example Sentences:
a) “I usually go cycling on weekends.”
b) “We usually play board games on weekends.”
c) “I usually catch up on reading on weekends.”

8. I’m a big fan of…

Context (When to Use):
Use this expression to show your strong liking or admiration for a specific hobby, activity, or person related to your interest.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’m a big fan of street photography.”
b) “He’s a big fan of comic books and superheroes.”
c) “I’m a big fan of cooking shows—they give me ideas.”

9. I’ve been doing it for years.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you want to emphasize your long-term commitment or experience with a hobby.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’ve been doing it for years—I started in high school.”
b) “She’s been painting for years now.”
c) “I’ve been doing it for years, and I still love it.”

10. I just started learning how to…

Context (When to Use):
Use this to share a new hobby or skill you recently began exploring. It’s useful for beginner-level conversations.

Example Sentences:
a) “I just started learning how to knit.”
b) “He just started learning how to play the piano.”
c) “I just started learning how to swim last month.”

11. I do it whenever I get the chance.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you don’t have a fixed schedule for your hobby but do it whenever time allows.

Example Sentences:
a) “I do it whenever I get the chance—usually on weekends.”
b) “She reads novels whenever she gets the chance.”
c) “I do it whenever I get the chance, especially during holidays.”

12. I find it really relaxing.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to express how a hobby helps you reduce stress and feel calm.

Example Sentences:
a) “I find it really relaxing to paint after work.”
b) “Gardening is tiring, but I find it really relaxing.”
c) “I find it really relaxing to go for a walk in nature.”

13. It helps me clear my mind.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to describe how your hobby helps you feel mentally refreshed or less stressed.

Example Sentences:
a) “Jogging helps me clear my mind.”
b) “When I’m stressed, drawing helps me clear my mind.”
c) “It helps me clear my mind after a busy day.”

14. It’s something I’ve always loved.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to talk about a lifelong interest or passion that you’ve never lost.

Example Sentences:
a) “Music is something I’ve always loved.”
b) “It’s something I’ve always loved since I was a child.”
c) “I don’t remember when I started—it’s something I’ve always loved.”

15. It keeps me active.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when talking about hobbies that involve physical movement or exercise.

Example Sentences:
a) “Dancing keeps me active and fit.”
b) “Playing football keeps me active.”
c) “I walk everywhere—it keeps me active.”

16. It’s a great way to unwind.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when describing a hobby that helps you relax after a busy or stressful time.

Example Sentences:
a) “Watching movies is a great way to unwind.”
b) “For me, yoga is a great way to unwind.”
c) “After work, a cup of tea and a book is my way to unwind.”

17. I like doing it alone/with friends.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when explaining whether your hobby is a solo activity or something social.

Example Sentences:
a) “I like doing it alone—it helps me focus.”
b) “I like doing it with friends—it’s more fun that way.”
c) “Sometimes I like doing it alone, sometimes with others.”

18. I got into it through a friend.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when sharing how someone you know introduced you to a hobby.

Example Sentences:
a) “I got into rock climbing through a friend.”
b) “I wasn’t interested before, but I got into it through a friend.”
c) “She got into photography through a friend’s suggestion.”

19. I picked it up during the pandemic.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when referring to hobbies started during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Example Sentences:
a) “I picked up cooking during the pandemic.”
b) “He picked up painting during the pandemic.”
c) “I picked it up during the pandemic and never stopped.”

20. It’s become part of my routine.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to explain that the hobby is now a regular part of your life.

Example Sentences:
a) “Morning walks have become part of my routine.”
b) “It started small, but now it’s part of my routine.”
c) “Journaling has become part of my daily routine.”

21. It’s my go-to activity when I’m bored.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when sharing what you like doing when you have nothing else to do.

Example Sentences:
a) “Reading is my go-to activity when I’m bored.”
b) “I play video games—it’s my go-to when I’m bored.”
c) “It’s my go-to activity when I’m bored and home alone.”

22. I wish I had more time for it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you talk about a hobby you love but don’t get to do often.

Example Sentences:
a) “I love painting, but I wish I had more time for it.”
b) “He wishes he had more time for his guitar lessons.”
c) “I wish I had more time for it—I really miss doing it.”

23. I’ve taken a few classes in it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to show you’ve learned your hobby in a formal setting, even if just briefly.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’ve taken a few classes in creative writing.”
b) “She’s taken a few classes in salsa dancing.”
c) “I’ve taken a few classes in pottery—it’s harder than it looks!”

24. I like challenging myself with it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to describe how your hobby helps you grow or test your skills.

Example Sentences:
a) “I like challenging myself with tricky recipes.”
b) “I like challenging myself with puzzles and logic games.”
c) “It’s not easy, but I enjoy challenging myself with it.”

25. I follow a lot of content about it online.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when talking about how you stay connected to your hobby through digital content.

Example Sentences:
a) “I follow a lot of cooking content on YouTube.”
b) “She follows travel content on Instagram.”
c) “I follow a lot of content about it online to learn more.”

26. I’ve made some great friends through it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to talk about how your hobby has helped you build social connections.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’ve made some great friends through my hiking group.”
b) “We met at a painting class—I’ve made some great friends through it.”
c) “Joining that book club helped me make great friends.”

27. I can spend hours doing it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when describing an activity you enjoy so much that you lose track of time.

Example Sentences:
a) “I can spend hours doing puzzles.”
b) “He can spend hours doing woodwork in his garage.”
c) “I get so into it—I can spend hours doing it.”

28. I do it just for fun.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to explain that you’re not doing the hobby for competition, money, or recognition.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’m not a professional—I do it just for fun.”
b) “She does photography just for fun.”
c) “I don’t take it seriously. I do it just for fun.”

29. It’s not something I’m good at, but I enjoy it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to admit your lack of skill while still showing your interest and enjoyment.

Example Sentences:
a) “It’s not something I’m good at, but I enjoy dancing.”
b) “I know I’m not great, but I enjoy painting.”
c) “Singing isn’t my strength, but I still enjoy it.”

30. I do it mainly to relax.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to explain the purpose behind doing your hobby—stress relief.

Example Sentences:
a) “I do it mainly to relax after work.”
b) “She does yoga mainly to relax.”
c) “I’m not very serious—I do it mainly to relax.”

31. I practice it a few times a week.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to talk about how often you spend time on your hobby to get better or stay consistent.

Example Sentences:
a) “I practice guitar a few times a week.”
b) “He practices his language skills every other day.”
c) “I try to practice it a few times a week.”

32. I usually set goals for myself.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when talking about self-motivation or personal development through hobbies.

Example Sentences:
a) “I usually set goals for myself when it comes to fitness.”
b) “I set small art goals every week.”
c) “I usually set goals to improve my skills.”

33. It’s a creative outlet for me.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to describe how the hobby allows you to express creativity or emotions.

Example Sentences:
a) “Writing is a creative outlet for me.”
b) “Art has always been a creative outlet for me.”
c) “It’s not just a hobby—it’s a creative outlet.”

34. It keeps me motivated.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when the hobby encourages you to stay active or productive.

Example Sentences:
a) “Setting targets in running keeps me motivated.”
b) “Learning a song each week keeps me motivated.”
c) “It keeps me motivated to wake up early.”

35. It’s a hobby I picked up recently.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when talking about a new interest you’ve started enjoying.

Example Sentences:
a) “Crocheting is a hobby I picked up recently.”
b) “I picked up gardening recently—it’s fun.”
c) “It’s a hobby I picked up during the last few months.”

36. I’m still learning the basics.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to show that you’re a beginner and still gaining experience in the hobby.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’m still learning the basics of playing the piano.”
b) “He’s still learning the basics, but he’s improving.”
c) “I’m new to it, so I’m still learning the basics.”

37. It’s harder than it looks!

Context (When to Use):
Use this to express surprise at the difficulty of a hobby or activity.

Example Sentences:
a) “Pottery is harder than it looks!”
b) “Baking bread is harder than it looks.”
c) “I thought it was easy, but it’s harder than it looks!”

38. I’m planning to get better at it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you have the goal of improving your skill in a particular hobby.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’m planning to get better at swimming this summer.”
b) “She’s planning to get better at sketching.”
c) “I’m not great yet, but I’m planning to get better at it.”

39. It’s helped me develop new skills.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you want to show how your hobby has added value to your abilities.

Example Sentences:
a) “Learning guitar helped me develop new skills.”
b) “It’s helped me develop creative skills.”
c) “This hobby has helped me develop time management skills.”

40. It’s a good way to stay productive.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when your hobby helps you avoid wasting time and do something meaningful.

Example Sentences:
a) “Painting is a good way to stay productive.”
b) “Instead of watching TV, I write—it’s a good way to stay productive.”
c) “Even simple crafts are a good way to stay productive.”

41. I like trying new hobbies every now and then.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you enjoy variety and experimenting with different activities.

Example Sentences:
a) “I like trying new hobbies every now and then—keeps things exciting.”
b) “She’s always trying something new—she likes trying new hobbies.”
c) “I never stick to one thing. I like trying new hobbies every now and then.”

42. I prefer indoor/outdoor hobbies.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to explain your comfort zone or preference for types of hobbies.

Example Sentences:
a) “I prefer indoor hobbies like painting and reading.”
b) “He prefers outdoor hobbies—he loves nature.”
c) “I prefer indoor hobbies because of the weather.”

43. I used to do it more often.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to talk about a hobby you’ve done less recently.

Example Sentences:
a) “I used to play the piano more often.”
b) “I used to paint more when I had time.”
c) “I used to do it more often, but I’ve been busy lately.”

44. I don’t get to do it as much these days.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to show that your time for hobbies has decreased recently.

Example Sentences:
a) “I love cooking, but I don’t get to do it as much these days.”
b) “She doesn’t get to practice dancing much these days.”
c) “I don’t get to do it as much these days because of work.”

45. I’ve joined a club/group for it.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you participate in your hobby with a community or organization.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’ve joined a club for book lovers.”
b) “He joined a group for amateur photographers.”
c) “I’ve joined a club for hiking—it’s been great.”

46. I’ve taken part in competitions/events.

Context (When to Use):
Use this to describe your active participation in public hobby-related events.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’ve taken part in cooking competitions.”
b) “She’s taken part in dance events since college.”
c) “I’ve taken part in some writing contests.”

47. It’s something I look forward to every week.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when your hobby is something that brings you regular joy.

Example Sentences:
a) “Game night is something I look forward to every week.”
b) “I look forward to my Sunday runs every week.”
c) “It’s something I look forward to every week after work.”

48. I usually talk about it with my friends.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when your hobby is also a common topic in conversations.

Example Sentences:
a) “I usually talk about books with my friends.”
b) “We usually talk about our hobbies when we meet.”
c) “I usually talk about it with my friends—they do it too.”

49. It’s more than just a hobby for me.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when your hobby has a deeper meaning or emotional importance.

Example Sentences:
a) “Music is more than just a hobby for me—it’s therapy.”
b) “Art is more than just a hobby—it’s how I express myself.”
c) “It’s more than just a hobby for me—it gives me purpose.”

50. I’d love to turn it into a career one day.

Context (When to Use):
Use this when you hope to take your hobby to a professional level.

Example Sentences:
a) “I’d love to turn photography into a career one day.”
b) “Writing is my dream—I’d love to turn it into a career.”
c) “I’d love to turn it into a career one day, if I get the chance.”

How Hobby Expressions Improve ESL Fluency

Learning hobby expressions helps students speak English more naturally. Instead of using only basic words, they learn how people really talk about their interests. This makes conversations smoother and more interesting.

When students practice these expressions, they improve their sentence flow and pronunciation. Using complete phrases also helps them feel more confident. They don’t have to think too much about what words to say next.

Hobby expressions often include common grammar patterns, like present simple or “like + -ing.” Practicing them strengthens grammar skills without boring drills. Over time, students can use these patterns in other topics too.

Finally, talking about hobbies is fun and personal. When students share their own interests, they stay motivated. This makes practicing English feel less like work and more like real communication.

From Expression to Interaction: Making Hobbies Talkative

Knowing expressions is just the first step. To really improve speaking, students need to use these expressions in conversations. That means turning words into real interaction.

Start by encouraging pair or group talks where students ask and answer questions about hobbies. This creates a natural flow using the expressions they’ve learned.

Role-plays are another great way to practice. For example, students can pretend to meet someone new and talk about their hobbies. This builds confidence and helps them prepare for real-life situations.

Teachers can also organize debates or discussions about hobbies. This pushes students to give opinions and explain reasons, going beyond simple answers.

By moving from learning expressions to practicing interaction, students develop fluency and communication skills. They become more comfortable using English in everyday life, not just in the classroom.

Conclusion

Hobby expressions are more than just useful phrases—they are a doorway to confident communication. By learning how to talk about hobbies, students can connect with others, express their personalities, and enjoy speaking English more.

As teachers, using this list in your ESL classroom means you can plan better lessons with less effort. You’ll have ready-made expressions to build conversations, discussions, and fun speaking tasks around. And your students? They’ll love learning language they can actually use in daily life.

FAQs about using hobby expressions in ESL class

How can I introduce hobby expressions to beginners?
Start with simple expressions like “I like…” and “I enjoy…” using pictures or real examples. Add new ones as students get comfortable.

Can I use these expressions for writing practice too?
Yes! Ask students to write short paragraphs or journal entries about their hobbies using the expressions from the list.

What kind of speaking activities work best with hobby expressions?
Pair interviews, class surveys, group sharing, and simple debates about favorite hobbies are all great for practice.

How do I help students remember these expressions?
Use repetition through games, role-plays, and daily warm-up questions. Visual aids and personal examples also help a lot.

Are these expressions suitable for both teens and adults?
Absolutely. Just adjust the hobby examples to match their interests and age group.

Can I turn these expressions into a lesson series?
Yes. Divide them into smaller sets and focus on a few each week with related activities and homework.

Should I teach grammar with these expressions?
You can highlight verb forms like “enjoy + -ing” or present simple tense while using these expressions in context.

Can hobby expressions be used in listening exercises?
Yes. Use short audio clips or videos where people talk about their hobbies and ask students to identify key expressions.

How do I assess students using these expressions?
Use speaking rubrics during pair work or short presentations about their hobbies to check fluency and expression use.

What if my students don’t have many hobbies?
Use the topic to explore new interests! Let students imagine hobbies they’d like to try or create a class hobby board together.