Twelve pastimes
Each pastime shows its gender (m., f., n.) and the verb Russians usually pair it with. Many are nouns made from verbs with -ние, so they are neuter. Tap any word to hear it.
The verbs of free time
Three of the most useful verbs, увлека́ться, занима́ться and интересова́ться, take the instrumental case. игра́ть takes в for games and на for instruments. The pattern is in blue.
Asking and answering
A short exchange you can use with anyone. Use вы and ваш with someone you don’t know well; see ты and вы.
How often, how long
Four time phrases that make a hobby sound real. Note уже́ with the present tense for “have been doing … for”: Russian uses the present, not a perfect tense.
Check yourself
Say the Russian out loud, then reveal it.
1 hobby, passion
2 I’m into photography.
3 to play chess
4 to play the piano
5 What are you into?
6 at weekends
7 I’ve been dancing for three years.
8 fishing
Related guides
Sport vocabulary Sports, games and keeping fit. The instrumental case Why it’s занима́ться спо́ртом. Verbs and their cases игра́ть в and на, and every other pattern. Time words How often and how long, in full. Food vocabulary For anyone whose hobby is cooking. Speaking practice Talk about your hobbies out loud.