Leisure time is what you do when you're not working or studying — activities that help you relax and enjoy yourself. This guide covers the French vocabulary you need for talking about leisure, including common nouns, verbs, and expressions.
Leisure Activities
This section covers common French words for free time activities, from reading and playing sports to watching movies and going out with friends.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| lire | to read |
| regarder un film | to watch a movie |
| écouter de la musique | to listen to music |
| sortir avec des amis | to go out with friends |
| faire du sport | to play sports |
| cuisiner | to cook |
| jouer à des jeux vidéo | to play video games |
| se promener | to go for a walk |
| voyager | to travel |
| faire du shopping | to go shopping |
Leisure Venues
Where do you spend your leisure time? This section includes vocabulary for common places associated with free time and relaxation.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| le parc | the park |
| le cinéma | the movie theater |
| la bibliothèque | the library |
| le musée | the museum |
| le café | the café |
| la plage | the beach |
| la salle de sport | the gym |
| le centre commercial | the shopping mall |
| la piscine | the swimming pool |
| le théâtre | the theater |
the movie theater
le cinéma
“Le cinéma” means the movie theater. The others are café, swimming pool, and shopping mall.
Leisure Time Expressions
These are useful French phrases for talking about your free time, making plans, and describing your hobbies.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| J’ai du temps libre. | I have free time. |
| Qu’est-ce que tu fais pendant ton temps libre ? | What do you do in your free time? |
| Je me détends à la maison. | I relax at home. |
| J’aime passer du temps avec mes amis. | I like to spend time with my friends. |
| Ce week-end, je vais sortir. | This weekend, I’m going out. |
| As-tu des hobbies? | Do you have any hobbies? |
| Je suis passionné(e) de musique. | I’m passionate about music. |
| Je préfère rester à la maison. | I prefer to stay at home. |
| On pourrait aller au cinéma. | We could go to the movies. |
| Tu veux faire quelque chose ce soir? | Do you want to do something tonight? |
Leisure-Related Verbs
These French verbs will help you talk about what you do during your free time. All are regular or common irregular verbs.
| French Verb | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| se détendre | to relax |
| sortir | to go out |
| jouer | to play |
| lire | to read |
| regarder | to watch |
| écouter | to listen |
| voyager | to travel |
| cuisiner | to cook |
| se promener | to take a walk |
| passer du temps | to spend time |
to go out
sortir
“Sortir” means to go out. The others are phrases using "sortir" with additional meaning: "go out with friends," "leave the office," and "go out late." However, the root verb for simply "to go out" is "sortir."
to take a walk
se promener
“Se promener” means to take a leisurely walk. "Marcher" means to walk (more generally). "Aller" means to go. "Sortir" means to go out.
Summary
You’ve learned key French words for leisure activities, venues, and expressions — plus important verbs to describe your free time.
- Activities: lire (to read), faire du sport (to play sports), sortir avec des amis (to go out with friends)
- Venues: le parc (park), le cinéma (movie theater), la plage (beach)
- Expressions: J’ai du temps libre (I have free time), Qu’est-ce que tu fais pendant ton temps libre? (What do you do in your free time?)
- Verbs: se détendre (to relax), jouer (to play), voyager (to travel)
Flashcards (1 of 40)
- English: to read
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
