Learning a new language opens the door to understanding a different culture, and what better way to delve into a culture than through hobbies and leisure activities? If you’re learning Hebrew, knowing how to talk about your hobbies can help you bond with native speakers and share more about your interests. Here are some essential Hebrew words related to hobbies and leisure activities that you can incorporate into your vocabulary.

תַחְבִּיב (Tachbiv) – Hobby
This word is used to describe a hobby or a pastime activity that one enjoys doing in their leisure time.
אני מחפש תַחְבִּיב חדש לפנאי שלי.
(Ani mechapes tachbiv chadash le’pnai sheli.)
I am looking for a new hobby for my free time.

קְרִיאָה (Kri’ah) – Reading
Reading books, newspapers, or any kind of texts as a leisure activity is referred to as קְרִיאָה.
קְרִיאָה היא אחד התחביבים האהובים עלי.
(Kri’ah hi echad hatachbivim ha’ahuvim alai.)
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.

צִיוּר (Tziyur) – Painting/Drawing
The act of creating art with paint, pencil, or other mediums is known as צִיוּר.
הוא מבלה שעות רבות בצִיוּר בסטודיו שלו.
(Hu mevaleh shaot rabot bitziyur be’studio shelo.)
He spends many hours painting in his studio.

שִׁירָה (Shirah) – Singing
Singing, whether as a professional activity or a hobby, is called שִׁירָה.
היא אוהבת לבלות את זמנה בשִׁירָה ובכתיבת שירים.
(Hi ohevet levalot et zmanah beshirah uvektivat shirim.)
She loves spending her time singing and writing songs.

רִקוּד (Rikud) – Dancing
The activity of dancing, for fun or as an artistic form of expression, is referred to as רִקוּד.
בכל שבת הוא הולך למועדון לרִקוּד עם חברים.
(Be’kol Shabbat hu holech le’mo’adon lerikud im chaverim.)
Every Saturday, he goes to the club to dance with friends.

מַשְׂחָק (Masachak) – Playing (games/sports)
Playing games or sports activities is described by the word מַשְׂחָק.
הילדים אוהבים לשחק מַשְׂחָקי לוח אחרי הצהריים.
(Hayeladim ohavim lesahek masachakei luach acharei hatzohorayim.)
The children like to play board games in the afternoon.

הַלִּיכָה (Halichah) – Walking/Hiking
Going for a walk or hiking trails, especially in nature, is known as הַלִּיכָה.
אנחנו מתכננים הַלִּיכָה ארוכה בסוף השבוע.
(Anachnu mitkhanenim halichah arochah be’sof hashavua.)
We are planning a long hike this weekend.

גִּינּוּן (Ginun) – Gardening
The hobby of growing and caring for plants and gardens is called גִּינּוּן.
גִּינּוּן הוא תחביב שקט ומרגיע.
(Ginun hu tachbiv shaket umargi’a.)
Gardening is a quiet and relaxing hobby.

בִּשׁוּל (Bishul) – Cooking
The preparation of food as a leisure activity is termed בִּשׁוּל.
היא נהנית מבִּשׁוּל ארוחות חגיגיות למשפחה.
(Hi nehenet mebishul aruchot chagigiyot le’mishpacha.)
She enjoys cooking festive meals for the family.

פִּסְקָה (Pisqah) – Knitting
Knitting, the hobby of creating textiles using yarn, is referred to as פִּסְקָה.
סבתא שלי עושה פִּסְקָה של סוודרים יפים מאוד.
(Savta sheli osah pisqah shel svadrim yafim meod.)
My grandmother knits very beautiful sweaters.

צִלּוּם (Tzilum) – Photography
The art or hobby of taking and processing photographs is called צִלּוּם.
בטיולים שלנו, הוא תמיד מעסוק בצִלּוּם נופים מדהימים.
(Be’tiyulim shelanu, hu tamid me’asok betzilum nofim m’dihimim.)
On our trips, he is always busy taking pictures of amazing landscapes.

Remember, the best way to learn a language is to practice it in contexts that are interesting and enjoyable to you. Talking about your hobbies in Hebrew increases not only your vocabulary but also your comfort with the language as you engage in conversations with native speakers. Happy learning!