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March 24, 2026
休息xiūxi(xiu1xi5)
休息 (xiū xī) means 'to rest' or 'to take a break.' It is commonly used in contexts where one needs to pause work or activity to recover energy. This word can also imply a temporary cessation of effort in various situations, such as studying or exercising.
Frequency#767DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking breaks is often emphasized, especially in work contexts, to maintain health and productivity. The concept of 休息 is integral to the traditional view of balancing work and life.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are taking a break from a long hike up a steep hill (休), and you find a comfortable spot under a tree (息) to rest. The characters together form a visual of resting in nature, so you remember that '休息' means to rest.
Meanings of 休息
xiūxi(xiu1xi5)
1rest
2to rest
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 休息
休息Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#767Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 休息
Podcast: 休息
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AI Study Notes for 休息
Quick Contrast
放松 (fàngsōng, to relax) is more about releasing tension, while 休息 (xiūxi, to rest) emphasizes taking a break from activity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine you are taking a break from a long hike up a steep hill (休), and you find a comfortable spot under a tree (息) to rest. The characters together form a visual of resting in nature, so you remember that '休息' means to rest.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 休息 with 休假 (xiū jià), which means 'to take a holiday.' 休息 is more informal and can be used in everyday conversations. Additionally, remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 休息 connects to other basic verbs related to daily activities, such as 吃 (chī - to eat) and 喝 (hē - to drink). Focus on using 休息 in sentences that describe your daily routine to reinforce learning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking breaks is often emphasized, especially in work contexts, to maintain health and productivity. The concept of 休息 is integral to the traditional view of balancing work and life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say '我休息了' (Wǒ xiūxī le) when meaning 'I took a break,' but it's more natural to say '我休息一下' (Wǒ xiūxī yīxià) for a quick break. Additionally, they might confuse it with 休假 (xiū jià), which is incorrect when referring to a short rest.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 休息
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Grammar Patterns of 休息
休息 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Anne left Artie and walked down the corridor towards the foyer.
9
我建议他休息，并让他去拍个X光片。
wǒ jiàn yì tā xiū xī， ， bìng ràng tā qù pāiX gè X。
I suggested that he rest, and sent him for an X-ray.
10
邦伯里重重地倒在了床上，让他疲惫的双脚休息一下。
bāng bó lǐ zhòng zhòng dì dǎo zài le chuáng shàng， ， ràng tā pí bèi de shuāng jiǎo xiū xī yī。
Bunbury flopped down upon the bed and rested his tired feet.
Cultural Notes for 休息
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, taking breaks is often emphasized, especially in work contexts, to maintain health and productivity. The concept of 休息 is integral to the traditional view of balancing work and life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 休息
You can say '我需要休息' (Wǒ xūyào xiūxī), which means 'I need to rest.'
No, 休息 is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.
Yes, but it’s more appropriate to use 休息 for breaks rather than sleep; for sleep, use 睡觉 (shuì jiào).
