休闲

• Pinyin: xiū xián
• Hanzi breakdown: 休 = 亻 (person) + 木 (tree), person resting against a tree; 闲 = 门 (door) + 木 (tree), leisure within

Meaning

To relax; leisure; casual. Taking time off to enjoy oneself or unwind.

Used both as a verb (to relax, take leisure) and as an adjective (casual, leisure-style). Common in compounds like 休闲服 (casual clothes), 休闲活动 (leisure activities), and 休闲时间 (leisure time). Reflects modern lifestyle concepts.

Examples

1. 周末我喜欢穿休闲装去公园散步。 On weekends I like to wear casual clothes and walk in the park.
2. 这家咖啡馆是个休闲的好地方。 This cafe is a great place to relax.
3. 工作太忙了，我需要找时间休闲一下。 Work has been too busy, I need to find time to unwind.

Usage Guide

Context: lifestyle, fashion, recreation

Tone: relaxed

Do Say

• 周末你有什么休闲活动？(What leisure activities do you have on weekends?)
• 这件休闲衬衫很适合你。(This casual shirt suits you well.)

Don't Say

• 上班时要休闲一点 (Confusing in formal work contexts — use 放松 if you mean to relax, or clarify dress code separately)

Origin & History

Compound of 休 (rest) and 闲 (idle, leisure), meaning restful leisure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal