休 (xiū) - to rest & to cease

休Tone 1

xiū ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

信嫣

休 · xiū

to rest;

to cease;

to stop;

to take a break;

to retire;

to be on leave;

to be over;

(in ancient times) to divorce one's wife

to restto ceaseto stop

Usage highlights

to restholiday/vacationto adjournto retireto cease businesssummer vacation

Synonyms

  • 息— to rest; to cease
  • 歇— to rest; to stop
  • 憩— to rest; to have a break

Antonyms

  • 作— to work; to do
  • 劳— to labor; to work
  • 忙— busy

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need to rest (休息).
  • The store is closed for the holiday (休业).
  • He is on vacation (休假).
  • The meeting is adjourned (休会).

Collocations

  • to rest(休息)
  • holiday/vacation(休假)
  • to adjourn(休会)
  • to retire(退休)
  • to cease business(休业)
  • summer vacation(暑假)

Idioms

  • To rest on one's oars(按兵不动)
  • To tie up for the night and go(解鞍休兵)
  • Endless(无尽无休)
  • To argue endlessly(争论不休)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character depicts a person (亻) leaning against a tree (木), visually representing the concept of resting.
  • In imperial China, officials could request leave (休沐) for personal reasons, with specific regulations.
  • Historically, 休 could mean 'to divorce' when a husband sent his wife away, though this usage is now obsolete.

FAQ