暇

• Reading: ひま
• Romaji: hima
• Kanji breakdown: 暇 (hima/ka) — free time, leisure, spare time
• Pronunciation: /çi.ma/

Meaning

Free time; leisure; not busy. Used when someone has nothing to do or spare time available.

Functions as both a noun and a na-adjective. As a noun it means free time or leisure (暇がある, to have free time). As a na-adjective it describes being idle or not busy (暇な日, a free day). Can carry a slightly negative nuance of boredom when used to describe a person, but is also used positively to describe having welcome free time.

Examples

1. 日曜日は暇ですか。 Are you free on Sunday?
2. 暇な時に本を読みます。 I read books when I have free time.
3. 今日は仕事がなくて暇です。 I have no work today, so I'm free.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, scheduling, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 暇 combines 日 (sun/day) and 叚 (a phonetic element), originally referring to a break from duties. In classical Japanese it could also mean 'leave of absence' from service.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal