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March 24, 2026
闲(閑)xián(xian2)
The character 闲 (xián) refers to a state of being idle or unoccupied, indicating free time or leisure. It is commonly used in contexts relating to relaxation or activities done during one's free time, as well as to describe a lack of busyness.
Strokes7Radical门Frequency#6199DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of leisure (闲) is highly valued, often associated with traditional practices like tai chi or tea ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of balance between work and relaxation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a serene scene where you are lounging in a quiet garden (the enclosure) with no worries—this is your ‘闲’ time. The character has a 'door' (门) enclosing a peaceful space, reinforcing the idea of a leisure area.
Meanings of 闲
xián(xian2)
1to stay idle
2to be unoccupied
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 闲
闲Simplified
閑Traditional
7Strokes
门Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#6199Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 闲
Podcast: 闲
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AI Study Notes for 闲
Quick Contrast
闲 (xián) vs 余 (yú) — use 闲 when emphasizing leisure or idleness, while 余 suggests surplus or remaining time.
Usage Notes
When using 闲, be mindful of the context; it is often used in informal settings. Common phrases include 闲暇 (xián xiá - leisure time) and 闲逛 (xián guàng - to stroll about). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters that imply busyness.
HSK Study Tips
While 闲 is not listed in the official HSK levels, it is relevant for learners aiming for conversational fluency. It connects well with words related to time management and leisure activities, such as 休息 (xiū xī - to rest) and 娱乐 (yú lè - entertainment).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 闲 with busy-related terms, mistakenly saying '我很闲工作' (Wǒ hěn xián gōngzuò), which incorrectly mixes leisure with work. The correct usage would be '我很闲' (Wǒ hěn xián) to express being free.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 闲
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 闲? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 闲?
Decomposition of 闲
IDS Structure⿵门木
闲Full Character
=
门Men2
enclosing
木Mu4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 闲?
How to say to stay idle in Chinese
“to stay idle” in Chinese is闲xián
The character 闲 (xián) refers to a state of being idle or unoccupied, indicating free time or leisure. It is commonly used in contexts relating to relaxation or activities done during one's free time, as well as to describe a lack of busyness.
When to use 闲
When using 闲, be mindful of the context; it is often used in informal settings. Common phrases include 闲暇 (xián xiá - leisure time) and 闲逛 (xián guàng - to stroll about). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters that imply busyness.
闲 or something close to it
闲 (xián) vs 余 (yú) — use 闲 when emphasizing leisure or idleness, while 余 suggests surplus or remaining time.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 闲 with busy-related terms, mistakenly saying '我很闲工作' (Wǒ hěn xián gōngzuò), which incorrectly mixes leisure with work. The correct usage would be '我很闲' (Wǒ hěn xián) to express being free.
Write 闲
闲
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Grammar Patterns of 闲
闲 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 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.
