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空闲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
空闲kòngxiánidleHSK 6, n, rank #10432, Hard
空闲kòngxiánfree timeHSK 6, n, rank #10432, Hard
空闲kòngxiánleisureHSK 6, n, rank #10432, Hard
空闲kòngxiánunused (place)HSK 6, n, rank #10432, Hard
kòngxián(kong4xian2) T4
  1. 1idle
  2. 2free time
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March 24, 2026
空闲(空閒)kòngxián(kong4xian2)

空闲 (kòngxián) refers to free time or leisure when one is not occupied with work or duties. It can also describe a space that is unused or available for other purposes, making it applicable in both personal and environmental contexts.

Frequency#10432DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In modern Chinese culture, the concept of leisure time is increasingly valued, especially as work-life balance becomes a topic of interest. 空闲 is often associated with social activities or family time, reflecting the importance of relationships in leisure.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '空' (empty) space where you have '闲' (leisure) time to relax. Picture yourself lying on a couch in an empty room, enjoying a book during your free time, connecting the idea of emptiness with leisure.

Meanings of 空闲

kòngxián(kong4xian2)
1idle
2free time
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 空闲

空闲Simplified
空閒Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#10432Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 空闲

JasonAmy

Podcast: 空闲

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AI Study Notes for 空闲

Quick Contrast

闲暇 (xiánxiá) refers specifically to leisure time, often with a focus on relaxation, while 空闲 (kòngxián) can also refer to unused space or availability.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a '空' (empty) space where you have '闲' (leisure) time to relax. Picture yourself lying on a couch in an empty room, enjoying a book during your free time, connecting the idea of emptiness with leisure.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 空闲 with busy terms, so it’s essential to use it in contexts related to relaxation or availability. It is often used in informal settings, but can also be appropriate in formal contexts when discussing schedules or space.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 空闲 connects well with other words about time management and activities. Students should focus on using it in sentences that reflect their daily routines, emphasizing when and how they enjoy their free time.

Cultural Note

In modern Chinese culture, the concept of leisure time is increasingly valued, especially as work-life balance becomes a topic of interest. 空闲 is often associated with social activities or family time, reflecting the importance of relationships in leisure.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 空闲 with 忙碌 (busy), using it incorrectly to describe their schedules. For example, saying '我今天很空闲' (I'm very busy today) should be corrected to '我今天很忙'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 空闲

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Component Characters

kōngempty
HSK 48 strokes
View full entry
xiánto stay idle
HSK 57 strokes
View full entry

Write 空闲

Practice writing 空闲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 空闲

空闲 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

她稍有____便喜欢摆弄干花。

When she has a little spare time she enjoys arranging dried flowers.

Example Sentences for 空闲 (4)

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1
她稍有空闲便喜欢摆弄干花。

tā shāo yǒu kōng xián biàn xǐ huān bǎi nòng gān huā。

When she has a little spare time she enjoys arranging dried flowers.
2
“现在没空闲聊。”——“那么回见。”

“ “ xiàn zài méi kōng xián。”——“ liáo 。”——“ nà mó。”

"No time for chattering now."— 'Be seeing you. then.'
3
我在上大学前空闲的一年里周游了世界。

wǒ zài shàng dà xué qián kōng xián de yī nián lǐ zhōu yóu le shì jiè。

I went around the world in my gap year.
4
他在空闲时读一些书.

tā zài kōng xián shí dú yī xiē shū.

He read books at his leisure.

Cultural Notes for 空闲

🏮Cultural insight

In modern Chinese culture, the concept of leisure time is increasingly valued, especially as work-life balance becomes a topic of interest. 空闲 is often associated with social activities or family time, reflecting the importance of relationships in leisure.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

Unlike in many Western cultures where free time might often be seen as a luxury, in China, there is a growing recognition of the importance of leisure and relaxation as essential for well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions about 空闲

No, 空闲 specifically refers to free time, so it should not be used to describe busy periods.