fence, guard

JLPT N5 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (xián)

The character primarily means 'free' or 'idle,' referring to having spare time or being unoccupied. It is often used to describe a person's availability or a state of leisure.

Common contexts

  • Describing free time: "时间" means 'have free time.'
  • Describing being unoccupied: "没事" means 'being idle with nothing to do.'
  • In phrases like "闲话," it functions to refer to 'idle talk' or 'small talk,' often implying to stop wasting time.

Collocations and patterns

  • 时间 (have free time): used to ask or state availability.
  • 没事 (idle with nothing to do): describes a state of being unoccupied.
  • 闲话 (idle talk): refers to gossip or unnecessary talk.

Nuances

When using , speakers imply a relaxed or unoccupied state, often with a positive or neutral tone. It is not used for busyness or stress. Avoid confusing with (busy).

Common confusion

Don't confuse (free, idle) with (busy). They are opposites and used in different contexts.

Example Sentences

Do you have free time today? We can go watch a movie together.

He was free with nothing to do, so he helped me tidy the room.

Enough small talk, let's start working.