有空儿

• Pinyin: yǒu kòngr
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 又 (hand) + 月 (meat/moon), meaning 'to have'; 空 = 穴 (cave) + 工 (work), meaning 'empty/free'; 儿 = erhua suffix

Meaning

To have free time; to be available. Indicates that someone is not busy and has leisure time.

A very common colloquial expression. 空儿 (with the erhua suffix) is the northern/Beijing pronunciation; in southern regions, people often say 有空 without the 儿. Used when inviting someone or checking their availability. The opposite is 没空 (no free time/busy).

Examples

1. 你明天有空儿吗？我想请你吃饭。 Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to treat you to a meal.
2. 我周末有空儿，可以帮你搬家。 I'm free this weekend — I can help you move.
3. 最近太忙了，一直没有空儿。 I've been too busy lately and haven't had any free time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, social, invitations

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你有空儿来我家玩吧。(Come visit my place when you're free.)
• 有空儿的时候给我打电话。(Call me when you have time.)

Don't Say

• 我很有空儿。(Don't add 很 before 有空儿 — just say 我有空儿. The verb 有 doesn't take degree adverbs in this pattern.)

Origin & History

Combination of 有 (to have) and 空儿 (free time/spare moment). 空 originally means 'empty/vacant,' extended to 'spare time.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal