Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
閒 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
閒jiānleisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calmx, 12 strokes, radical 門, rank #69448, Very Hard
閒jiànleisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calmx, 12 strokes, radical 門, rank #69448, Very Hard
閒xiánleisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calmx, 12 strokes, radical 門, rank #69448, Very Hard
xián(xian2)xian
primary
T2
  1. 1leisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calm
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

閒xián(xian2)

The character 閒 (xián) refers to a state of leisure or idle time, often implying a tranquil and peaceful environment. It is commonly used to describe moments of relaxation or calmness, contrasting with busy or hectic situations. Additionally, it can serve as a variant of the character 間, which relates to intervals or gaps.

Strokes12Radical門Frequency#69448DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of leisure is often intertwined with philosophical ideas such as Daoism, which values tranquility and harmony with nature. This character reflects the cultural importance placed on finding balance in one's life.

Memory tip

Imagine a serene garden (閒) where you can relax (xián) under the shade of trees, away from the hustle of life. The character has a roof (阝) representing shelter, and the inner part suggests a sense of space where one can find peace.

Meanings of 閒

xián(xian2)
primary
1leisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calm
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 閒 means.

About 閒

閒Simplified
12Strokes
門Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 閒

JasonAmy

Podcast: 閒

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 閒

Quick Contrast

閒 (xián) vs 空 (kōng) — use 閒 for leisure or idle time, while 空 refers to emptiness or void.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with pronunciation, as the character's nuanced meanings can shift with tone and context. It's often used in informal settings to describe personal time, and collocates well with words like 'leisurely' or 'peaceful'. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

While 閒 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with common HSK words related to leisure and tranquility, such as 休息 (xiūxí, rest) and 安静 (ānjìng, quiet). Focus on its contrasts with busyness and how it complements your vocabulary related to relaxation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 閒 with 間 due to their similar appearance and pronunciation. For example, writing '间' when they mean 'leisurely time' can lead to misunderstandings; ensure to use '闲' for contexts related to peace and leisure.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 閒

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 閒, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 閒 to you

Let me explain 閒 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 閒 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 閒?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 閒 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 閒

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

The moon 月 seen through a door 門; night-time

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 閒?

Decomposition of 閒

IDS Structure⿵門月
閒Full character
=
門men2
enclosing
月yue4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 閒?

How to say leisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calm in Chinese

“leisure, idle time; tranquil, peaceful, calm” in Chinese is閒jiān

The character 閒 (xián) refers to a state of leisure or idle time, often implying a tranquil and peaceful environment. It is commonly used to describe moments of relaxation or calmness, contrasting with busy or hectic situations. Additionally, it can serve as a variant of the character 間, which relates to intervals or gaps.

When to use 閒

Be cautious with pronunciation, as the character's nuanced meanings can shift with tone and context. It's often used in informal settings to describe personal time, and collocates well with words like 'leisurely' or 'peaceful'. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

閒 or something close to it

閒 (xián) vs 空 (kōng) — use 閒 for leisure or idle time, while 空 refers to emptiness or void.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 閒 with 間 due to their similar appearance and pronunciation. For example, writing '间' when they mean 'leisurely time' can lead to misunderstandings; ensure to use '闲' for contexts related to peace and leisure.

Write 閒

閒

Practice writing 閒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 閒?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Word Family of 閒

Words containing this character1
閒xiánbetween

Frequently asked questions about 閒

閒 (xián) emphasizes leisure and tranquility, while 間 (jiān) generally refers to space or time intervals.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 閒?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab