Portuguese Phrase
O que você faz no seu tempo livre?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone about their hobbies or leisure activities in Portuguese. It combines the interrogative 'O que' with the verb 'fazer' in the present tense to discuss habitual actions.
When to use
Use this phrase in social situations to get to know someone better, such as at a party, during a lunch break, or when meeting a new language partner. It is a polite and common icebreaker.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O quevocêfaznoseutempo livre
O que
This is the standard way to say 'what' at the beginning of a question in Portuguese.
Faz (Fazer)
The verb 'fazer' means 'to do' or 'to make'. Here it is conjugated in the third-person singular to agree with 'você'.
No seu
A contraction of the preposition 'em' (in), the article 'o' (the), and the possessive 'seu' (your).
🗨In Conversation
O que você faz no seu tempo livre?
What do you do in your free time?
Eu gosto de tocar violão e sair com meus amigos.
I like to play the guitar and go out with my friends.
✕Common Mistakes
O que você faz no seu tempo grátis?
'Grátis' refers to something that costs zero money; use 'livre' to describe unoccupied time.
O que você faz na sua tempo livre?
'Tempo' is a masculine noun, so you must use the masculine contraction 'no seu' (em + o + seu).
↔Alternatives
Quais são os seus hobbies?
What are your hobbies?
O que você gosta de fazer para se divertir?
What do you like to do for fun?
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, people are very social and enjoy discussing their passions outside of work. Asking this question is seen as a sign of genuine interest in the person's life rather than just polite small talk.