Lesson 2.2: Talking About Your Hobbies and Interests

Lesson 2.2: Talking About Your Hobbies and Interests – What Do You Love to Do? 🎸🎨 #

Talking about hobbies and interests is a great way to connect with people in any language. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to share what you enjoy doing, ask about others’ interests, and even sneak in your job title—because who doesn’t like talking about themselves just a little?

What You’ll Learn #

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

  • Talk about your hobbies and interests in Italian.
  • Ask others what they like to do.
  • Use key phrases to share your profession or favorite activities.

Essential Phrases #

Talking About Your Hobbies #

  • Mi piace [activity]. (I like [activity].)
  • Non mi piace [activity]. (I don’t like [activity].)
  • Amo [activity]. (I love [activity].)

Examples with Viktor and Geoff:

  • Geoff: Mi piace guardare film e cucinare. (I like watching movies and cooking.)
  • Viktor: Amo viaggiare e ascoltare musica. (I love traveling and listening to music.)

Asking About Interests #

  • Cosa ti piace fare? (What do you like to do? [informal])
  • Cosa Le piace fare? (What do you like to do? [formal])

Example Dialogue:

  • Geoff: Cosa ti piace fare, Viktor?
  • Viktor: Mi piace fare escursioni e leggere libri. (I like hiking and reading books.)

Talking About Your Profession #

  • Lavoro come [profession]. (I work as [profession].)
  • Sono [profession]. (I’m a [profession].)

Examples:

  • Geoff: Sono uno studente di italiano. (I’m a student of Italian.)
  • Viktor: Lavoro come tecnico manutentore. (I work as a maintenance technician.)

Cultural Notes #

  1. Italians love a good conversation. Asking about hobbies and interests is a friendly way to break the ice.
  2. Don’t hesitate to share something unusual or funny—it’s a great conversation starter!
  3. When talking about work, Italians may say faccio (I do) instead of lavoro come. For example: Faccio l’ingegnere. (I’m an engineer.)

Practice Time #

Here are some scenarios to help you practice:

  1. Scenario: Geoff asks Viktor what he likes to do for fun. How should he ask?

    • Cosa ti piace fare?

  2. Scenario: Viktor loves hiking and wants to share this with Geoff. What should he say?

    • Mi piace fare escursioni.

  3. Scenario: Geoff wants to tell Signora Rossi he’s a student of Italian. What phrase should he use?

    • Sono uno studente di italiano.

Quick Tips #

  • Use Mi piace liberally to talk about what you like.
  • If you want to sound more passionate, try Amo instead of Mi piace.
  • Practice using Non mi piace for things you don’t enjoy—it’s just as important!

What’s Next? #

Test your skills with Exercise 2.2: Talking About Your Hobbies and Interests and explore fun ways to talk about your favorite activities.

✨ Keep practicing and have fun sharing your interests in Italian! Buona fortuna! 🌟