Hobbies and Leisure: Expressing Your Passions

In the TEF and TCF exams (especially TCF Writing Task 1 and TEF Speaking Section B), you are often asked to talk about your free time, your interests, or to invite a friend to an activity. This is the domain of "la vie quotidienne." Having a rich vocabulary for hobbies allows you to move beyond simple verbs like "jouer" and "aimer" to more descriptive and precise language.

In this guide, we master the vocabulary of leisure, sports, and culture.

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1. General Expressions for Free Time

• Le temps libre: Free time.

2. Sports and Physical Activities (Le sport)

In French, we use two main verbs for sports:

Jouer à... (Ball sports and games):

• Jouer au football / au tennis / au basket.
• Jouer aux échecs (Chess).

Faire de... (Individual activities, martial arts, nature):

3. Creative and Intellectual Hobbies

4. Going Out (Sortir)

• Aller au cinéma / au théâtre
• Aller à une exposition / au musée
• Aller à un concert

5. Technology and Digital Leisure

• Naviguer sur Internet: To browse the web.
• Regarder des séries / des films en streaming
• Jouer à des jeux vidéo

6. Exam Application: Inviting and Persuading

In TEF Section B, you might have to persuade a friend to start a new hobby with you.

Strategy: Focus on the benefits of the hobby.

• “C'est excellent pour la santé mentale.”

7. How to Practice with PrepMyFrench

TCF Task 1 Writing:

Write a message to a friend about a hobby you started. “Salut ! Figure-toi que je me suis mis au yoga. Je trouve ça incroyablement apaisant. Tu devrais essayer avec moi la semaine prochaine !”

AI Speaking Simulator:

Select the "Personal Interests" scenario. The AI will ask you questions like:

Conclusion

Your hobbies define your personality in a new language. By moving beyond "l'ordinateur" and "la télé," and by using nuanced verbs like pratiquer, s'adonner à, or cultiver, you show the examiner that you have the vocabulary to live a rich, full life in a Francophone environment.

Next Topic: Stay healthy! Read about Health and Wellness.

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