Translation guide
The concept of 'leisure' in Japanese is expressed through words for free time, relaxation, and hobbies. The most common and versatile term is 暇 (ひま), but other words like 余暇 (よか) and レジャー are used in specific contexts. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on the nuance they want to convey.
What do you do in your free time?
Expressing that you have free time or are not busy, in everyday conversation.
The most common word for 'free time' or 'leisure' in casual contexts. It can also mean 'boredom' or 'having nothing to do', so context matters. Often used in the phrase 暇な時 (when I'm free).
I watch movies in my free time.
Are you free today?
A more formal term for 'leisure time', often used in written contexts or discussions about work-life balance. It implies time left after work or duties.
Loanword from English, used for 'leisure' as an activity or industry, like 'leisure activities' or 'leisure facilities'. Not used for simply having free time.
Referring to things you do for enjoyment in your free time.
The standard word for 'hobby' or 'pastime'. It covers a wide range of leisure activities. Often used in self-introductions.
Emphasizing rest and relaxation rather than activity.
Discussing leisure in abstract, sociological, or economic contexts.
As above, the formal term for leisure time. Used in phrases like 余暇活動 (leisure activities) or 余暇時間 (leisure hours).
暇 (ひま) is casual and everyday; 余暇 (よか) is formal and often written; レジャー is a loanword used for commercial or industrial contexts. Use 暇 when talking about your own free time, 余暇 in essays or formal discussions, and レジャー for facilities or the leisure business.
I play games in my free time.
I like to read in my leisure time.
Enjoy one's leisure time.
Discuss how to spend leisure time.
Go to a leisure facility.
The leisure industry is growing.
私の趣味は読書です。
My hobby is reading.
I cook as a hobby.
Refers to 'entertainment' or 'amusement', often in a broader sense like movies, games, or shows. More formal than 趣味.
Means 'play' or 'fun', often used for children's play or casual fun activities. Can sound childish if used for adult hobbies.
Using 遊び for adult hobbies can sound like you're not serious. Use 趣味 instead.
Join in children's play.
It's all work and no play.
An adverb meaning 'leisurely', 'relaxed', or 'taking it easy'. Often used to describe a relaxed pace or state of mind.
I want to spend my day off leisurely.
He has a laid-back personality.
Means 'slowly' or 'at ease'. Similar to のんびり but can also refer to physical slowness. Common in daily speech.
Please rest well.
Let's take it easy today.
A verb meaning 'to relax' or 'to make oneself comfortable'. Often used when unwinding at home or in a cozy place.
I'm relaxing at home.
Please make yourself at home.
余暇の重要性が高まっている。
The importance of leisure is increasing.
Used in compound terms like レジャー産業 (leisure industry) or レジャー白書 (White Paper on Leisure).
The leisure market is expanding.
A very formal and literary term for 'leisure' or 'free time'. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Use one's leisure time for reading.
A survey on how to spend leisure time.
Leisure facilities are well-developed.
While レジャー is understood, using it to say 'I have leisure time' sounds unnatural. Stick to 暇 or 余暇 depending on formality. レジャー is mainly for compound nouns.
Leisure is important for mental health.
They went to a leisure park.