闲 (xián) - leisure & idle

闲Tone 2

xián ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 门

万响

闲 · xián

leisure;

idle;

unoccupied;

spare time;

not busy;

also refers to idleness or being at rest.

leisureidleunoccupied

Usage highlights

leisure timeidle talkleisurely and carefreespare timeunemployedgossip

Synonyms

  • 空— empty; free
  • 暇— leisure; spare time
  • 悠— leisurely; relaxed

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I have some free time this weekend (这个周末我有空闲).
  • He is sitting idly in the garden (他闲坐在花园里).
  • This is a leisure activity (这是一种休闲活动).
  • Don't meddle in other people's business (不要管闲事).

Collocations

  • leisure time(闲暇)
  • idle talk(闲谈)
  • leisurely and carefree(悠闲)
  • spare time(空闲)
  • unemployed(闲散)
  • gossip(闲话)

Idioms

  • Leisurely and carefree(悠闲自在)
  • Idle talk about others' faults(闲言碎语)
  • Leisure enough to enjoy flowers and moonlight(闲情逸致)
  • Not busy at all(闲不着)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, 'leisure' (闲) was often associated with the ideal life of scholars—having time for contemplation, arts, and nature.
  • The character originally depicted a wooden bar used to shut a gate, symbolizing restraint from activity, which evolved to mean 'idle' or 'at leisure'.
  • In modern context, it reflects the value placed on work-life balance and the appreciation of quiet moments.

FAQ