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March 24, 2026
暇xiá(xia2)
The character 暇 (xiá) refers to leisure or free time when one is not engaged in work or responsibilities. It conveys a sense of relaxation and the opportunity to enjoy activities without pressure. Commonly used in contexts discussing hobbies, vacations, or downtime.
Strokes13Radical日Frequency#46891DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, leisure time has traditionally been valued for personal growth and socialization, often reflected in practices like tai chi in parks or tea appreciation. The concept of '闲暇' (xiánxiá), which encompasses moments of leisure, is significant in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Memory Tip
Think of 暇 (xiá) as a cozy 'xia' (sounds like 'shah') moment where you can kick back and relax. The sun (日) and the moon (月) symbolize the passage of time, highlighting those moments of leisure in between work, creating a visual of day turning to night where you can finally enjoy your spare time.
Meanings of 暇
xiá(xia2)
1leisure, relaxation, spare time
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 暇
暇Simplified
13Strokes
日Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 暇
Podcast: 暇
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AI Study Notes for 暇
Quick Contrast
闲 (xián) - use 暇 (xiá) when emphasizing a more enjoyable or relaxed sense of free time, while 闲 (xián) can imply idleness or lack of occupation.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 暇 (xiá) as a cozy 'xia' (sounds like 'shah') moment where you can kick back and relax. The sun (日) and the moon (月) symbolize the passage of time, highlighting those moments of leisure in between work, creating a visual of day turning to night where you can finally enjoy your spare time.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 暇 with other words related to time, such as 时间 (shíjiān) which means 'time' in a more general sense. This word is more informal and is typically used in casual conversations. Be mindful of using the correct tone as it can change the meaning dramatically.
HSK Study Tips
While 暇 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it complements HSK level 3 words related to time and activities. Students should focus on how to use this word in sentences about leisure activities to reinforce their understanding of context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, leisure time has traditionally been valued for personal growth and socialization, often reflected in practices like tai chi in parks or tea appreciation. The concept of '闲暇' (xiánxiá), which encompasses moments of leisure, is significant in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 暇 with 忙 (máng), mistakenly saying '我很暇' (wǒ hěn xiá) to mean 'I am busy.' The correct phrase would be '我很忙' (wǒ hěn máng). Another mistake is misusing it in formal contexts where a more appropriate term like 空闲 (kòngxián) would fit better.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 暇
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Grammar Patterns of 暇
暇 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
昨天罗斯先生和伍德黑德先生都无____发表意见。
Neither Mr Rose nor Mr Woodhead was available for comment yesterday.
Example Sentences for 暇 (5)
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1
昨天罗斯先生和伍德黑德先生都无暇发表意见。
zuó tiān luó sī xiān shēng hé wǔ dé hēi dé xiān shēng dū wú xiá fā biǎo yì jiàn。
Neither Mr Rose nor Mr Woodhead was available for comment yesterday.
2
在工作和闲暇之间很难划出明确的界限。
zài gōng zuò hé xián xiá zhī jiān hěn nán huá chū míng què de jiè xiàn。
It was hard to draw clear lines of demarcation between work and leisure.
3
她无暇顾及自己瘦了多少,变成了什么样子.
tā wú xiá gù jí zì jǐ shòu le duō shǎo, , biàn chéng le shí mó yàng.
She had no idea of how much weight she had lost or how she looked.
It also great to go shopping or film with your friends.
5
他们闲暇时就在格拉斯哥的阿盖尔街上演唱卖艺。
tā mén xián xiá shí jiù zài gé lā sī gē de ā gài ěr jiē shàng yǎn chàng mài yì。
They spent their free time in Glasgow busking in Argyle Street.
Cultural Notes for 暇
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, leisure time has traditionally been valued for personal growth and socialization, often reflected in practices like tai chi in parks or tea appreciation. The concept of '闲暇' (xiánxiá), which encompasses moments of leisure, is significant in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Word Family of 暇
Words Containing This Character10
无暇too busy無暇
闲暇leisure閑暇
暇xiáleisure
应接不暇more than one can attend to (idiom)應接不暇
目不暇接lit. too much for the eye to take in (idiom); a feast for the eyes
不暇to have no time (for sth)
空暇idle
好整以暇to be calm and unruffled in the midst of chaos or at a busy time (idiom)
目不暇给a feast for the eyes目不暇給
日无暇晷no time to spare (idiom)日無暇晷
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 无暇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 暇
You can say '我有很多暇时间' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō xiá shíjiān), which means 'I have a lot of leisure time.'
Yes, 暇 is often used in casual conversations, particularly when discussing one's free time or relaxation.
The opposite would be busy or occupied, which can be expressed as 忙 (máng).
