ocio

/ˈoθjo/
nounIntermediate
general

Free time spent for relaxation, entertainment, or personal enjoyment, often outside of work or obligations.

El ocio es importante para la salud mental.

Leisure time is important for mental health.

Actividades de ocio como leer o pintar ayudan a reducir el estrés.

Leisure activities like reading or painting help reduce stress.

💡

Ocio can refer to both passive relaxation (e.g., watching TV) and active hobbies (e.g., sports, crafts).

Collocations

tiempo de ocioleisure timeactividades de ocioleisure activitiesindustria del ocioleisure industry

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

matar el ociophrase
to kill time

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'ocio' in formal writing or professional contexts, but 'tiempo libre' is more natural in casual conversation.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overlap

'Ocio' refers to the concept of leisure, while 'diversión' specifically means fun or amusement.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'otium', meaning leisure or free time, contrasting with 'negotium' (business).

📝Usage Notes

In Spanish, 'ocio' is often used in formal or professional contexts (e.g., 'industria del ocio'), while 'tiempo libre' is more common in everyday speech.

Word Breakdown

oci
leisure
root
+
-o
noun ending
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés