svago

leisure

noun ZVAH-goh Rare

Origin: From svagare (to distract), from Latin ex- + vagari (to wander).

Also means

recreation

Usage Note

Svago refers to a pastime or recreational activity that provides relief from work or stress: ho bisogno di svago (I need some relaxation). The plural svaghi is common: i miei svaghi preferiti (my favourite pastimes). It is slightly more elegant than divertimento and carries a connotation of gentle distraction rather than active fun.

Examples

"La lettura è il mio svago preferito."

Natural Translation

Reading is my favourite leisure activity.

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