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.
暇な時は何をしますか？
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).
暇な時に映画を見ます。
I watch movies in my free time.
今日は暇ですか？
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.
余暇を楽しむ。
Enjoy one's leisure time.
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.
私の趣味は読書です。
My hobby is reading.
趣味で料理をしています。
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.
Emphasizing rest and relaxation rather than activity.
An adverb meaning 'leisurely', 'relaxed', or 'taking it easy'. Often used to describe a relaxed pace or state of mind.
休日はのんびり過ごしたい。
I want to spend my day off leisurely.
のんびりした性格だ。
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.
A verb meaning 'to relax' or 'to make oneself comfortable'. Often used when unwinding at home or in a cozy place.
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).
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).
A very formal and literary term for 'leisure' or 'free time'. Rarely used in modern conversation.
閑暇を利用して読書する。
Use one's leisure time for reading.
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.
暇な時にゲームをする。
I play games in my free time.
余暇の過ごし方に関する調査。
A survey on how to spend leisure time.
レジャー施設が充実している。
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.
暇な時に読書をするのが好きです。
I like to read in my leisure time.
余暇は精神衛生上重要です。
Leisure is important for mental health.
彼らはレジャーパークに行った。
They went to a leisure park.
Discuss how to spend leisure time.
Go to a leisure facility.
レジャー産業は成長している。
The leisure industry is growing.
There are few entertainment facilities.
読書は良い娯楽だ。
Reading is a good pastime.
子供の遊びに付き合う。
Join in children's play.
仕事ばかりで遊びがない。
It's all work and no play.
ゆっくり休んでください。
Please rest well.
今日はゆっくりしよう。
Let's take it easy today.
家でくつろいでいる。
I'm relaxing at home.
どうぞくつろいでください。
Please make yourself at home.
The leisure market is expanding.