休息

• Pinyin: xiū xi
• Hanzi breakdown: 休 = 人 (person) + 木 (tree); 息 = 自 (self) + 心 (heart)

Meaning

To rest; to take a break. Describes pausing activity to recover energy, whether a short break or a full night's sleep.

A versatile verb used for any kind of rest — a quick coffee break, a nap, or a holiday. 好好休息 (rest well) is a common caring phrase said to someone who is tired or ill.

Examples

1. 你累了，快去休息吧。 You're tired — go and rest.
2. 我们工作两个小时后休息一下。 We'll take a break after working for two hours.
3. 医生说她需要多休息。 The doctor said she needs to rest more.

Usage Guide

Context: health, everyday, work

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 好好休息！(Rest well!)
• 我想休息一下。(I'd like to take a short rest.)

Don't Say

• 用'休息'表示在某个地方'住宿'。(Don't use 休息 to mean 'staying overnight' at a place — use 住 or 入住 for accommodation)

Origin & History

休 depicts a person (人) leaning against a tree (木) — the image of resting. 息 combines 自 (self/nose) and 心 (heart), suggesting the breath of the heart, i.e. taking a breath and relaxing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal