What it means
سرگرمی (sargarmi) is the everyday Persian word for a hobby, pastime, or any activity that keeps a person pleasantly occupied in their free time. It is a fully native Persian word, built from سر (sar, meaning head or mind) and گرمی (garmi, warmth), carrying the sense of something that warms or engages the mind. The related verb سرگرم شدن (sargarm shodan) means to become absorbed or occupied in something. A close synonym is تفریح (tafrih, recreation or amusement), though تفریح leans more toward entertainment and going out, while سرگرمی covers any hobby done at home or independently.
How to use it
- سرگرمیات چیه؟ (sargarmi-t chiye?) “What is your hobby?”
- نقاشی سرگرمی اصلیمه. (naqqâshi sargarmi-ye asli-m-e.) “Painting is my main hobby.”
- بچهها به سرگرمی نیاز دارن. (bacheh-hâ be sargarmi niâz dâran.) “Kids need activities to keep them occupied.”
- این بازی یه سرگرمی خوبه. (in bâzi ye sargarmi-ye khube.) “This game is a good pastime.”
Cultural note
In Iranian culture, having a سرگرمی is considered healthy and admirable, particularly for children, who are often enrolled in structured hobby classes such as painting, music, or martial arts. For adults, naming one’s سرگرمی in conversation signals character and depth. The word appears frequently in school writing assignments and job application forms where candidates are asked to list personal interests, making it one of the first abstract vocabulary words learners encounter at the A2 level.