French Phrase
Tu fais quoi comme loisirs ?
Meaning
This phrase is a very common and informal way to ask someone about their hobbies or leisure activities. It literally translates to "You do what as hobbies?" but is understood as "What are your hobbies?" or "What do you do for fun?". It's a direct and friendly question.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings when you're getting to know someone, like a new friend, classmate, or colleague. It's perfect for breaking the ice and finding common interests. Avoid using it in very formal situations or with people you don't know well in a professional context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tufaisquoicommeloisirs
Tu (You - informal)
'Tu' is the informal singular 'you' in French. It's used with friends, family, children, and people your age or younger. This phrase is inherently informal due to 'tu'.
fais (do/make)
'Fais' is the conjugation of the verb 'faire' (to do/to make) for 'tu'. In this context, it means 'do'.
quoi (what)
'Quoi' is an interrogative pronoun meaning 'what'. It's often used at the end of a question in informal spoken French, especially after a preposition like 'comme'.
comme (as/like)
'Comme' is a preposition meaning 'as' or 'like'. Here, it functions to specify the category of 'what' you are asking about: 'what as hobbies?'.
loisirs (hobbies/leisure activities)
'Loisirs' is a masculine plural noun meaning 'hobbies' or 'leisure activities'. It's almost always used in the plural when referring to general hobbies.
🗨In Conversation
Salut, ça va ? Tu fais quoi comme loisirs ?
Hi, how are you? What do you do for hobbies?
Ça va, merci ! J'aime bien lire et faire de la randonnée. Et toi ?
I'm good, thanks! I like reading and hiking. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que tu fais comme hobbies?
While 'hobbies' is understood, the French word 'loisirs' is more natural and commonly used. Using 'hobbies' can sound like a direct English translation.
Quels sont tes loisirs?
This is grammatically correct but more formal. 'Tu fais quoi comme loisirs?' is the preferred informal expression.
Tu fais quoi comme loisir?
Hobbies are usually plural, so 'loisirs' (with an 's') is almost always used, even if the person only has one.
↔Alternatives
Quels sont tes loisirs ?
What are your hobbies?
Tu as des loisirs ?
Do you have any hobbies?
Qu'est-ce que tu aimes faire pendant ton temps libre ?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Cultural Tip
In French culture, discussing hobbies is a common way to connect with people and understand their personality beyond work or studies. It's generally well-received and can lead to deeper conversations. French people often have diverse interests, from sports and arts to cooking and travel, and are usually happy to share them. This phrase is a good entry point for building rapport.