Learn Hardcore Russian: Моё новое увлечение – фотография.

In Russian, the present tense of the linking verb “быть” (to be) is usually omitted. The dash here serves to link the subject Мое новое увлечение with its predicate complement фотография, effectively meaning “My new hobby is photography.”

Why is the adjective новое in the neuter form instead of feminine or masculine?

Adjectives in Russian must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. Since увлечение is a neuter noun, the adjective takes the neuter form новое. This agreement in gender is a key aspect of Russian grammar.

Why is there no explicit verb like “is” in this sentence?

Russian typically omits the present tense form of the verb “to be” (быть). The link between the subject and the predicate is understood without an actual verb, and the dash helps to clarify this relationship.

Can the sentence be rephrased by adding это to make the connection clearer?

Yes, you can say Мое новое увлечение – это фотография. Adding это (which means “this” or “it is”) reinforces the identification between the subject and the predicate, although it is not necessary because the dash already serves that purpose in the original sentence.