French word

loisir

Pronunciation

IPA/lwaziʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhobby

Example

Quels sont tes loisirs préférés ?

What are your favorite hobbies?

Illustration for loisir (hobby)

More examples

Ce loisir exige de la patience.

This hobby requires patience.

Core concept

A chosen activity filling open time with relaxation or enjoyment.

Common phrases

  • loisir préféré

    favorite hobby

  • loisir sportif

    sports hobby

  • activité de loisir

    leisure activity

Similar words

passe-temps: An activity undertaken to occupy spare time or for enjoyment.
hobby: A personal pursuit enjoyed regularly as a lasting interest.
activité: An action or undertaking that uses physical or mental effort.
divertissement: Something designed or performed to entertain.

Definition in French

Activité choisie pratiquée pendant le temps libre pour se détendre ou se divertir.

Word origin

French loisir comes through Old French from Latin licere, 'to be permitted'; its sense moved from available time to an activity enjoyed in it.

Usage tips

  • The masculine noun is often used in the plural, les loisirs, when asking about hobbies in general.

Other meanings

  • leisurenoun
  • recreationnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word