How to Say ‘What are your hobbies?’ in Japanese
趣味は何ですか？
shumi wa nani desu ka
[shoo-mee wah nah-nee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Super standard opener. You can make it warmer by adding [ちなみに]: [ちなみに、趣味は何ですか？].
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a common “profile-to-real-life” bridge question in Japan—perfect for Tinder-style first meets.
Phrase Breakdown
趣味
shumi
[shoo-mee]
hobby; interests
Noun meaning “hobby/interests.” Great first-date small talk to find common ground and build chemistry.
趣味は何ですか？
What are your hobbies?
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker (as for…/regarding…)
Marks “趣味” as the topic: “As for hobbies…” Very common in casual Q&A.
趣味は何ですか？
What are your hobbies?
何
nani
[nah-nee]
what
Asks for information (“what”). In conversation, it invites the other person to share.
趣味は何ですか？
What are your hobbies?
ですか
desu ka
(polite question ending)
です + か makes a polite question. Here it turns “It is what” into “What is it?”
学生ですか？
Are you a student?
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
to be (polite copula)
Polite “is/are.” Keeps the question soft and respectful for a first meeting.
趣味は何ですか？
What are your hobbies?
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Turns the sentence into a question. Often paired with rising intonation in speech.
趣味は何ですか？
What are your hobbies?
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