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休闲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
休闲xiūxiánleisureHSK 5, v, 13 strokes, rank #7997, Hard
休闲xiūxiánrelaxationHSK 5, v, 13 strokes, rank #7997, Hard
休闲xiūxiánnot workingHSK 5, v, 13 strokes, rank #7997, Hard
休闲xiūxiánidleHSK 5, v, 13 strokes, rank #7997, Hard
休闲xiūxiánto enjoy leisureHSK 5, v, 13 strokes, rank #7997, Hard
休闲xiūxiánto lie fallowHSK 5, v, 13 strokes, rank #7997, Hard
xiūxián(xiu1xian2)xiu xian T1
  1. 1leisure
  2. 2relaxation
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March 24, 2026

休闲(休閒)xiūxián(xiu1xian2)

休闲 (xiūxián) refers to leisure or relaxation, emphasizing a state of not working and enjoying free time. It is commonly used in contexts such as discussing activities that people engage in during their downtime, like hobbies, travel, or simply resting.

Strokes13Frequency#7997DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of leisure is often intertwined with family and social gatherings, especially during holidays where people take time to relax together, reflecting the importance of community in leisure activities.

Memory tip

Imagine a person (the character '休' is a person lying down under a tree) taking a break from work (the character '闲' represents the absence of hustle). Picture them enjoying a sunny day, emphasizing the joy of relaxation and leisure.

Meanings of 休闲

xiūxián(xiu1xian2)
1leisure
2relaxation
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 休闲

休闲Simplified
休閒Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#7997Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2

Podcast: 休闲

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Podcast: 休闲

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AI study notes for 休闲

Quick Contrast

放松 (fàngsōng) vs 休闲 (xiūxián): use 休闲 when referring to leisure activities or free time, while 放松 emphasizes the act of relaxing or relieving stress.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone of this word; ensure that '休' (first tone) and '闲' (second tone) are pronounced correctly. It is often used in informal contexts, so it may not be suitable for formal reports or business communication. Common collocations include '休闲活动' (leisure activities) and '休闲时间' (leisure time).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 休闲 connects well with other vocabulary related to lifestyle and hobbies. Focus on using it alongside words like '工作' (work) and '娱乐' (entertainment) to enhance your understanding of contrasts between work and leisure.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 休闲 with '休息' (xiūxí), which means rest. For example, saying '我喜欢休息活动' (I like rest activities) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢休闲活动' (I like leisure activities).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 休闲

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Component characters

休Xiūto rest
HSK 26 strokes亻
View full entry
闲xiánto stay idle
HSK 57 strokes门
View full entry

How to say leisure in Chinese

“leisure” in Chinese is休闲xiūxián

休闲 (xiūxián) refers to leisure or relaxation, emphasizing a state of not working and enjoying free time. It is commonly used in contexts such as discussing activities that people engage in during their downtime, like hobbies, travel, or simply resting.

When to use 休闲

Be cautious with the tone of this word; ensure that '休' (first tone) and '闲' (second tone) are pronounced correctly. It is often used in informal contexts, so it may not be suitable for formal reports or business communication. Common collocations include '休闲活动' (leisure activities) and '休闲时间' (leisure time).

休闲 or something close to it

放松 (fàngsōng) vs 休闲 (xiūxián): use 休闲 when referring to leisure activities or free time, while 放松 emphasizes the act of relaxing or relieving stress.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 休闲 with '休息' (xiūxí), which means rest. For example, saying '我喜欢休息活动' (I like rest activities) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢休闲活动' (I like leisure activities).

Write 休闲

休
闲

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Grammar patterns of 休闲

休闲 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这些____设施是供客人使用的。

The leisure facilities are there for the use of guests.

Example sentences for 休闲 (7)

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1
这些休闲设施是供客人使用的。

zhèxiē xiūxián shèshī shì gōng kèrén shǐyòng de。

The leisure facilities are there for the use of guests.
2
他们的休闲服系列瞄准的是追求时髦的13到25岁青少年。

tāmen de xiūxián fú xìliè miáozhǔn de shì zhuīqiú shímáo de13 dào25 suì qīngshàonián。

Their range of leisurewear is aimed at fashion-conscious 13 to 25 year-olds.
3
休闲中心是一个狭长而低矮的现代建筑。

xiūxián zhōngxīn shì yīgè xiá cháng ér dī ǎi de xiàndài jiànzhù。

The Leisure Center is a long and low modern building.
4
这种布置让人想起都市里的艺术休闲中心。

zhè zhǒng bùzhì ràng rén xiǎngqǐ dūshì lǐ de yìshù xiūxián zhōngxīn。

The decor was reminiscent of a municipal arts-and-leisure centre.
5
休闲健身中心晚上9点关门。

xiūxián jiànshēn zhōngxīn wǎnshang9 diǎn guān mén。

The spa closes at 9:00 pm.
6
约翰逊穿着休闲,宽松的长裤配淡蓝色高尔夫衬衫。

yāo hàn xùn chuānzhuó xiūxián, kuānsōng de cháng kù pèi dàn lánsè gāo ěr fū chènshān。

Johnson was clad casually in slacks and a light blue golf shirt.
7
公共区由水池畔花园 、 沙滩及休闲花园组成.全都维持良好,且富款待感.

gōnggòng Ōu yóu shuǐ chí pàn huāyuán、 shātān jí xiūxián huāyuán zǔchéng. quándōu wéichí liánghǎo, qiě fù kuǎndài gǎn.

Public areas are consist of poolside gardens, beach and resort gardens.

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Frequently asked questions about 休闲

It's generally more appropriate in informal contexts, so consider using synonyms like '放松' (relax) in formal situations.

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