How to say "hobby" in Japanese

• 趣味しゅみJLPT N4approx.Common
  nounThe usual word for a hobby in the sense of a regular, personally cultivated pastime, such as collecting or gardening. When translating 'my hobby is…', this is typically the word you want.
  趣味しゅみについては話はなしましたか？↗

  Did you talk about your hobby?
• 道楽どうらくCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers 'hobby' and 'pastime' but carries a nuance of self-indulgent or frivolous amusement, sometimes to excess. It fits pastimes viewed as indulgence rather than wholesome interests.
  研究けんきゅうというほどでも・・・素人しろうとの道楽どうらくですよ、おはずかしい。↗

  It can hardly be called research... just an amateur's hobby, I'm ashamed to say.
• 楽しみたのしみJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveReally means enjoyment, pleasure, or delight — something one looks forward to. It only loosely matches 'hobby' as an enjoyable activity, and is not the word for a hobby as such.
  水泳すいえいが私の楽たのしみの１つです。↗

  Swimming is one thing I enjoy.
• 余技よぎCommon
  nounCorresponds to 'hobby' in the sense of an avocation — a skill or pursuit practiced alongside one's main occupation. It is a narrower, more formal term than 趣味.
• 娯楽ごらくJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verbMeans amusement, entertainment, or recreation in general, not a personal hobby. It suits pastimes as leisure entertainment, so it is seldom the word you want for 'my hobby is…'.
  あなたのお好すきな娯楽ごらくは何なんですか。↗

  What's your favourite pastime?

Use 趣味 for a hobby as a regular pastime; 道楽 suggests self-indulgent amusement; 「楽しみ」 is pleasure you look forward to; 余技 is an avocation; 娯楽 is amusement or entertainment generally.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 趣味しゅみhobby
• 道楽どうらくpastime
• 楽しみたのしみenjoyment
• 余技よぎavocation
• 娯楽ごらくamusement
• ホビーhobby
• お楽しみおたのしみenjoyment
• いたずらpastime