Definitions

xián (adjective) idle; unoccupied; at leisure
xián (noun) free time; leisure

Etymology

A wooden fence with a door 

About

The character "闲" derives from the traditional form "閒", structured with "門" representing a door and "月" representing the moon, conveying the image of moonlight penetrating a gap and initially denoting a physical interval. This literal sense of an opening was extended to figurative gaps in time, thereby acquiring the meaning of leisure or unoccupied time. Over its development, the component "月" was replaced by "木" meaning wood, resulting in the form "闲" with the door radical "门" and "木", which historically connected to concepts of a barrier or restraint, reflecting an older semantic layer of defense or limitation. The meaning gradually narrowed to emphasize leisure, while its original connotations of a gap and restraint diminished in everyday usage.

Example Sentences Hide

我今天很

Wǒ jīntiān hěn xián.

I am very free today.

他喜欢逛。

Tā xǐhuān xiánguàng.

He likes to stroll around.

我们在公园聊。

Wǒmen zài gōngyuán xiánliáo.

We chat in the park.

不要管别人的事。

Búyào guǎn biérén de xiánshì.

Don't meddle in other people's business.

她过着悠的生活。

Tā guòzhe yōuxián de shēnghuó.

She lives a leisurely life.

时间我喜欢看书。

Kòngxián shíjiān wǒ xǐhuān kànshū.

In my free time, I like to read books.

来无事常去钓鱼。

Tā xián lái wú shì cháng qù diàoyú.

When he has nothing to do, he often goes fishing.

他利用暇时间学习新技能。

Tā lìyòng xiánxiá shíjiān xuéxí xīn jìnéng.

He uses his leisure time to learn new skills.