Japanese · Daily Life
趣味
shumi
Hobby / Interest
Definition
A leisure activity done for pleasure. One of the most common conversation starters in Japanese is 趣味は何ですか (shumi wa nan desu ka, what are your hobbies?).
Example
趣味は料理と読書です。
My hobbies are cooking and reading.
Etymology
The term 趣味 (shumi) combines the characters 趣, meaning 'interest,' and 味, meaning 'flavor' or 'taste.' Historically, it has evolved from referring to a person's taste in art or aesthetics to a broader concept of personal interests and activities.
How & Where It’s Used
趣味 is commonly used in informal contexts to refer to hobbies or interests in casual conversation. It can apply to various activities, from arts and crafts to sports and gaming, and is typically spoken rather than written. There are no significant regional variations, but the types of hobbies mentioned may vary by age and social context.