How do you talk about your hobbies in Korean? In this lesson, you’ll learn seven expressions for hobbies and leisure activities, along with -는 것, a grammar pattern that lets you talk about an action as a thing or activity. Read the examples below, then use the PDF and video to keep practicing.
Vocabulary
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 연주하다 | play a musical instrument |
| 감상하다 | appreciate or enjoy art, music, or other works |
| 시청하다 | watch TV or video content |
| 관람하다 | watch a performance or sporting event; view an exhibition |
| 수집하다 | collect |
| 소설을 읽다 | read novels |
| 식물을 키우다 | grow plants |
Grammar: -는 것
Talking About an Activity as a Noun
Attach -는 것 to a verb stem to turn an action into a noun phrase. This lets you talk about the activity itself, often like using “-ing” in English. You can use it to describe your hobbies, say what you enjoy, or explain what you find easy or difficult.
Remove -다 from the dictionary form and add -는 것. If the verb stem ends in ㄹ, drop ㄹ before adding -는 것.
Particles attach to 것 depending on its role in the sentence: -는 것이 marks the subject, -는 것을 marks the object, and -는 것은 marks the topic. Keep a space before 것.
Example Sentences
저는 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요.
I like singing.
식물을 키우는 것이 제 취미예요.
Growing plants is my hobby.
In the first sentence, 노래 부르는 것을 is the object of 좋아해요: singing is the activity the speaker likes. In the second, 식물을 키우는 것이 is the subject: growing plants is the speaker’s hobby.
Download the Practice PDF
Want to practice talking about your hobbies in Korean? Download the worksheet for vocabulary, grammar, and exercises. Compare activities, answer questions about your interests, and practice making sentences with -는 것.
Watch the Video Lesson
Watch the lesson alongside this post, then come back to the vocabulary and example sentences whenever you need a quick review.
