tg-me.com/thinkenglish/1943
Last Update:
A hobby is something you do regularly for fun and relaxation. It’s an activity that you enjoy in your free time, like reading, painting, or playing sports. It’s often something you invest time and energy in and can improve at over time.
- Examples of hobbies:
- Playing the guitar
- Collecting stamps
- Gardening
An interest is broader and can refer to something you’re curious about or enjoy learning more about, but it might not be something you actively do. You can be interested in something without it becoming a hobby or taking action on it.
- Examples of interests:
- Learning about space exploration
- Following current fashion trends
- Reading about ancient history
In everyday conversation, the word “interest” is often used more frequently because it’s broader and can apply to a wide range of things. You can have many interests, but you might only have a few hobbies that you actively practice.
For example, someone might say, "I'm interested in photography," even if they don’t regularly take pictures (which would make it a hobby). On the other hand, if they regularly take photos and develop their skills, it’s likely a hobby.
Did you know that in formal writing, especially resumes or job interviews, "interests" is more common? Phrases like "personal interests" or "areas of interest" sound broader and professional, while "hobbies" may sound a bit more casual.
@thinkenglish