歇 (xiē) - to rest & to cease

歇Tone 1

xiē ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

歇 · xiē

to rest;

to cease;

to stop;

to take a break;

also refers to lodging or staying overnight.

to restto ceaseto stop

Usage highlights

take a breakstop workclose businessrest one's feetstay overnightcatch one's breath

Synonyms

  • 休— to rest; to cease
  • 息— to rest; to stop
  • 停— to stop; to halt

Antonyms

  • 作— to work; to do
  • 干— to work; to do
  • 动— to move; to act

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Let's take a break (歇一会儿).
  • The rain has stopped (雨歇了).
  • He lodged at an inn for the night (歇在客栈).
  • The shop is closed for the day (店铺歇业).

Collocations

  • take a break(歇歇)
  • stop work(歇工)
  • close business(歇业)
  • rest one's feet(歇脚)
  • stay overnight(歇宿)
  • catch one's breath(歇气)

Idioms

  • To rest on one's laurels(安歇之所)
  • Unable to rest or settle down(歇不下心)
  • The tide ebbs and flows(潮起潮落，人歇马停)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '歇' embodies the philosophy of balancing work and rest, as emphasized in texts like the I Ching.
  • The character appears in classical poetry and literature, often conveying a sense of peaceful cessation or respite from labor.
  • In folk customs, '歇' is associated with teahouses and roadside stalls where travelers would rest during long journeys.

FAQ