Definitions

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

Etymology

A wooden fence with a door 

About

The character "闲" originated in early Chinese script with a structure featuring a door radical surrounding an internal element, originally conveying notions of restraint or defense as seen in the traditional form incorporating wood to represent a barrier. An alternative traditional variant replaced the wood with a moon, picturing moonlight filtering through a door crack and thereby introducing associations with unoccupied moments and repose. Over time, the meaning transitioned from physical containment to the abstract state of having free time, with the wood-based structure eventually becoming standard in contemporary writing, solidifying its primary sense of leisure or idleness.

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.