Free Time, Leisure and Entertainment Vocabulary
A collection of Spanish words and phrases related to free time activities and entertainment, for beginner English speakers learning Spanish.
aburrirse
getting bored
The Spanish verb 'aburrirse' translates to 'getting bored' in English. It is used when someone loses interest in something or when an activity, a conversation, or a situation is not interesting or entertaining. Unlike in English where 'boring' is an adjective, 'aburrirse' is a reflexive verb in Spanish. This means you use it when the subject in the sentence is causing the action on itself. So, in Spanish, instead of saying something is 'boring', you would say 'I get bored' (me aburro), which indicates you are bored of the situation or activity.
afición
hobby
The Spanish word 'afición' translates to 'hobby' in English. It is used to describe an activity done in your leisure time for pleasure whether it be reading, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. This word represents what you invest your free time in and what you enjoy learning or doing. Just as in English, this can refer to a broad range of activities, depending on individual preferences.
andar
walk
The Spanish word 'andar' is commonly used to mean 'walk' in English. It refers to the activity of moving by putting one foot in front of the other, as humans do in their daily life. Andar can also be used in a general sense referring to the ability of something or someone to function or to progress. For instance, 'Esta máquina no anda bien.' translates to 'This machine doesn't work well.'
bailar
dance
The word 'bailar' is a verb in Spanish, which translates to 'dance' in English. It is used to describe the activity of moving one's body rhythmically, typically to music and within a particular space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply deriving pleasure from the movement itself. 'Bailar' can also be used in various contexts such as 'bailar la salsa' which means 'to dance salsa'. Please note that conjugation rules apply when using this verb, depending on the tense and subject of the sentence.
bricolaje
DIY
The Spanish word 'bricolaje' refers to the activity of fixing or repairing things in your home by yourself, without the need for a professional. It often involves creativity and manual skill, and it could be anything from fixing a broken chair to decorating a room. It's the equivalent of the term 'DIY' (do it yourself) in English.
cantar
sing
Cantar means to sing in Spanish. It can be used when a person or a group of people are singing, whether it's a song, hymn or tune.
Example sentences with cantar →chiringuito
beach bar
The word 'chiringuito' in Spanish refers to a small, often temporary bar or stall that can be found along the coast, on beach areas. These establishments are popular places for socializing, typically offering access to drinks, food, and sometimes music. They are particularly common in Spanish-speaking countries and provide a unique aspect of beach-side culture. In English, the word is translated as 'beach bar'.
colaborar como voluntario
collaborate as a volunteer
The Spanish phrase 'colaborar como voluntario' translates into English as 'collaborate as a volunteer'. This phrase is often used to refer to the act of willingly working with others in a cooperative way, often in a non-profit or charity setting, without expecting any form of direct compensation or payment for the service provided.
coleccionar monedas
collect coins
The Spanish phrase 'coleccionar monedas' translates to 'collect coins' in English. This is a hobby where people acquire and keep a collection of coins. Various coins may be collected, including coins from different periods, countries, or of particular monetary values. Not only is this a fun and engaging pastime, but it allows individuals to learn about history, geography, and economics.
coleccionar sellos
collect stamps
The Spanish phrase 'coleccionar sellos' translates to 'collect stamps' in English. This refers to the hobby whereby individuals accumulate and categorize postage stamps, often from different countries or time periods. Collecting stamps is popular worldwide and can provide insights into historical events, geographical issues, or social themes represented on the stamps.
cometa
kite
The word 'cometa' in Spanish translates to 'kite' in English. It mainly refers to a lightweight object, typically made from paper or plastic, that is designed to fly in the air while being held at the end of a long string. It is a common toy for children who enjoy flying it on windy days. The term can also be used to refer to a comet in an astronomical context, but the most common translation is 'kite'.
Example sentences with cometa →dejar pasar el tiempo
let the time pass
The Spanish phrase 'dejar pasar el tiempo' translates to 'let the time pass' in English. It is an idiomatic expression often used when someone is suggesting to wait or to allow something to happen over time, without trying to force it or rush it. It often implies patience, acceptance, or a period of waiting.
disfrazarse
dress up
The Spanish word 'disfrazarse' translates to 'dress up' in English. It is a reflexive verb often used in the context of changing one's appearance with the help of clothing, makeup, or other accessories, most often for the purpose of a holiday, event, or theatrical performance. For instance, it could be used when someone is disguising as a character for a costume party or Halloween. This verb can be conjugated depending on the tense, mood, and the subject of the sentence.
distracción
distraction
The Spanish word 'distracción' translates to 'distraction' in English. It is a noun that refers to a thing or event that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. It can also represent the action or fact of distracting or being distracted. Like a phone call during an important meeting can be a 'distracción'.
distraerse
distracting
The Spanish word 'distraerse' can be translated to English as 'to get distracted'. It is a reflexive verb, which means it's typically used with a reflexive pronoun. For example, 'Yo me distraigo' means 'I get distracted'. It represents the action of diverting or taking away the attention from the main task or focus. It's often used in scenarios where an individual can't maintain focus due to various reasons possibly including external noises, random thoughts, or other activities.
diversión alternativa
alternative
The Spanish phrase 'diversión alternativa' does not translate to 'alternative' in English. Instead, it translates to 'alternative fun' or 'alternative entertainment'. The phrase is composed of two words: 'diversión' which means 'fun' or 'entertainment', and 'alternativa' which means 'alternative'. Therefore, it refers to a form of entertainment that is different from what is traditional or mainstream.
diversión arriesgada
risky fun
The term 'diversión arriesgada' translates to 'risky fun' in English. This is a Spanish term used to describe actions or activities that involve a high level of risk, danger, or uncertainty, but are still pursued for the thrill or excitement they bring. Examples could include extreme sports, gambling, or reckless behavior for many. It implies a sense of danger combined with enjoyment or pleasure.
diversión nocturna
Night fun
The Spanish term 'diversión nocturna' translates to 'night fun' in English. This phrase is often used to describe fun and recreational activities that happen during the nighttime. These activities can include anything from parties, clubbing, concerts, dining out, to simply strolling through the city after sunset. The term encompasses various forms of entertainment and leisure activities which typically occur during the evening and night time.
diversión peligrosa
dangerous fun
The Spanish term 'diversión peligrosa' translates into English as 'dangerous fun'. The two words individually translate as 'diversión' meaning 'fun', and 'peligrosa' meaning 'dangerous'. This term can be used in various contexts in Spanish conversation, typically when referring to an activity or situation that is enjoyable but contains an element of risk or danger.
diversión sana
healthy fun
The Spanish term 'diversión sana' translates to 'healthy fun' in English. It is a term used to refer to any form of fun or enjoyment that doesn't harm mentally or physically, but yields positive effects. This can refer to activities such as reading, sports, puzzles, and more that provides enjoyment, entertainment and benefits to personal wellbeing.
divertirse
Have fun
The Spanish word 'divertirse' translates to 'have fun' in English. It is a reflexive verb, typically used to express the concept of enjoying oneself or having a good time. The verb 'divertirse' emphasizes an active engagement or participation in a fun activity. It implies a change from one's normal or serious demeanor to a more enjoyable, entertaining mood. For instance, 'Voy a divertirme en la fiesta' means 'I am going to have fun at the party' in English.
emborracharse
get drunk
The word 'emborracharse' in Spanish is a reflexive verb that is often used to describe the act of getting drunk. The literal translation of 'emborracharse' to English is to make oneself drunk. However, in daily usage, it is most commonly used to simply mean 'to get drunk'. The word is a combination of the Spanish term 'borracho', which means 'drunk', and the reflexive verb ending '-se'.
entretenerse
entertaining
The Spanish word 'entretenerse' translates to 'to entertain oneself' in English. It's a reflexive verb, used when someone is doing an action to themselves. It is often used to imply spending time in a pleasant manner or doing something you enjoy to keep yourself amused. For example, one might use it to say, 'In my spare time, I entertain myself by reading books' in Spanish would be 'En mi tiempo libre, me entretengo leyendo libros.'
entretenimiento
entertainment
The Spanish word 'entretenimiento' translates to 'entertainment' in English. This refers to a broad concept generally linked to forms of activity that hold an audience's interest, can provide them enjoyment, or bring them amusement. This concept may include activities such as movies, music, sports, games, reading, or other recreational activities that people generally participate in during their leisure time.
escuchar la radio
listen to the radio
The Spanish term 'escuchar la radio' translates to 'listen to the radio' in English. This phrase is typically used when you want to express or tell someone about your intention or act of tuning into a radio station for news, music, broadcasts, and other programs. Including 'escuchar', which means 'to listen', and 'la radio', which means 'the radio', the phrase can be used in various contexts relating to the use of a radio.
escuchar música
listen to music
The Spanish phrase 'escuchar música' translates to 'listen to music' in English. It is composed of 'escuchar', which means 'to listen', and 'música', which translates to 'music'. This expression is commonly used when you want to say that you are listening to music or you want someone else to listen to music. Just like in English, this phrase can be used in different contexts such as at a concert, while working, or during leisure activities.
escuchar una canción
listen to a song
The Spanish phrase 'escuchar una canción' translates to 'listen to a song' in English. This phrase is composed of three parts: 'escuchar' which is the verb 'listen', 'una' is the indefinite article 'a', and 'canción' is the noun 'song'. Therefore, when you 'escuchar una canción', you are choosing to listen to a specific song. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as when you want to command someone to 'Listen to a song', or inform others what you are doing, for example, 'I will listen to a song'.
estar de fiesta
partying
The Spanish phrase 'estar de fiesta' translates into English as 'partying'. The verb 'estar' typically refers to temporary states or conditions, like being in a certain mood or being at a certain place. The preposition 'de' usually implies possession, purpose, or cause, but in this context it implies the activity one is engaged in. Finally, 'fiesta' simply means party. So all together, 'estar de fiesta' connotes the state or condition of being engaged in a party, or in English vernacular, 'partying'.
estar de juerga
to be in a play
'Estar de juerga' is a Spanish phrase, but its translation is not 'to be in a play'. Rather, it is commonly used in informal contexts and it stands for 'to be partying' or 'to be on a spree'. It is used when someone is out having a good time, usually involving music, dance, and drinks.
estar desocupado
being careless
The term 'estar desocupado' does not mean being careless in English. Instead, it translates to 'be unoccupied' or 'be idle'. It implies one is not busy and has no tasks or activities to do, not that one is not paying enough attention or showing enough care or concern, which would describe being careless.