歇

• Pinyin: xiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 歇 = 曷 (how) + 欠 (yawn/lack), depicting someone yawning from tiredness, needing rest

Meaning

To rest; to take a break; to stop. Indicates pausing from activity to recuperate.

A colloquial word for resting, more casual than 休息. Common phrases include 歇一歇 (take a short break), 歇会儿 (rest for a bit), and 歇脚 (rest one's feet). Also used for businesses closing (歇业). The character can also mean to stop in other contexts.

Examples

1. 走了一上午了，找个地方歇一歇吧。 We've been walking all morning, let's find a place to rest.
2. 你先歇着，我来做饭。 You rest first, I'll cook.
3. 那家店歇业装修，下个月才开门。 That shop is closed for renovation and won't open until next month.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, casual

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 歇会儿再干。(Rest a bit before continuing.)
• 别歇了，快点干活！(Stop resting, hurry up and work!)

Don't Say

• 我歇了睡觉 (Redundant — 歇 already implies resting; just say 我去睡觉 or 我歇一会儿)

Origin & History

Composed of 欠 (to yawn/lack) and 曷 (why/how), suggesting the need to stop due to tiredness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal