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The Chinese word 无暇 (wúxiá) is a compound formed by combining the negation morpheme 无 (wú), meaning "without" or "lack of," with the noun 暇 (xiá), which means "leisure" or "unoccupied time." Literally, it means "having no leisure time." However, through semantic extension, it has acquired its common modern meaning of "flawless" or "impeccable." This figurative shift operates on the logic that something which is perfect leaves no "spare time" or room (暇) for faults or blemishes, thus creating an adjective describing a state of being so complete and excellent that there is no opportunity for defects.

Word Definition - 无暇

wú xiá too busy; to have no time for; fully occupied

Individual Character Details