悠 (yōu) - Leisurely, unhurried, long-drawn-out & to swing, to sway

悠Tone 1

yōu ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

咏与

悠 · yōu

Leisurely, unhurried, long-drawn-out;

to swing, to sway;

to be far away in time or space;

to be carefree.

Leisurely, unhurried, long-drawn-outto swing, to swayto be far away in time or space

Usage highlights

Leisurely and carefreeLong and melodiousLong historyFar and distantSwinging back and forthLeisurely stroll

Synonyms

  • 闲— leisurely, idle
  • 缓— slow, gradual
  • 逸— ease, leisure

Antonyms

  • 急— urgent, hurried
  • 忙— busy
  • 促— hurried, short

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He walked at a leisurely pace (悠闲地).
  • The melody has a long, drawn-out quality (悠扬的 melody).
  • My thoughts drifted far away (思绪悠远).
  • We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon (悠闲的下午).

Collocations

  • Leisurely and carefree(悠闲)
  • Long and melodious(悠扬)
  • Long history(悠久)
  • Far and distant(悠远)
  • Swinging back and forth(悠荡)
  • Leisurely stroll(悠游)

Idioms

  • Leisurely and content(悠然自得)
  • Leisurely and carefree, content with one's lot(悠闲自在)
  • The road is long and winding(悠远漫长)
  • Taking one's time(悠悠闲闲)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often associated with Daoist ideals of effortless action and living in harmony with nature.
  • Evokes a sense of timelessness, tranquility, and philosophical depth in classical Chinese poetry.
  • Implies a state of mind free from worldly pressures and haste.

FAQ