空闲的

CHINESE WORD

空闲的 (kòngxiánde)

DEFINITION

Free; at leisure.

§ How to use it in a sentence

The word 空闲的 (kòngxiánde) is a very useful adjective in Chinese, often used to describe someone who has free time, or to describe something that is available or unoccupied. It’s pretty straightforward, but let’s look at some common ways to use it so you don't get mixed up.

§ Describing someone with free time

When you want to say someone is 'free' or 'at leisure', you can directly use 空闲的 with a person. Remember that 的 (de) here acts as an adjectival particle, making 空闲 (kòngxián) an adjective modifying the noun.

TRANSLATION HINT

I am very free today, we can go out for a walk.

TRANSLATION HINT

Do you have free time this afternoon?

§ Describing unoccupied things or spaces

You can also use 空闲的 to describe things that are unoccupied, like a vacant seat, an empty room, or even an idle machine. It functions in the same way as describing a person's free time.

TRANSLATION HINT

Is this chair free/unoccupied?

TRANSLATION HINT

We have an empty room you can use.

§ Common phrases with 空闲的

Here are some useful phrases that incorporate 空闲的:

• 空闲时间 (kòngxián shíjiān): Free time / Spare time

  我的空闲时间不多。

  TRANSLATION HINT

  I don't have much free time.

• 空闲的座位 (kòngxiánde zuòwèi): Vacant seat

  请问有空闲的座位吗？

  TRANSLATION HINT

  Excuse me, are there any vacant seats?

So, there you have it. Using 空闲的 is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Just remember it's about being 'free' or 'available' whether it's for people or things. Practice these examples, and you'll be using it like a pro in no time!

§ Understanding 空闲的 (kòngxiánde)

Alright, let's talk about 空闲的 (kòngxiánde). This word means 'free' or 'at leisure'. It's super practical because everyone talks about free time, right? You'll hear it often in daily conversations, whether people are making plans, talking about work, or just chatting about their day. It's an A2 word, so it's something you should definitely get comfortable with early on.

DEFINITION

Free; at leisure.

Think of it as describing a state where you have no particular commitments or tasks to attend to. It can refer to a person's availability or even a time slot. It's not just about not working; it's about having the option to do what you want.

§ 空闲的 (kòngxiánde) at Work

In a work environment, you'll hear 空闲的 (kòngxiánde) when colleagues are checking each other's availability for meetings, delegating tasks, or simply asking if someone has a moment to chat.

Translation hint: Are you free now? Can we discuss the project?

Translation hint: I have some free time tomorrow afternoon.

§ 空闲的 (kòngxiánde) at School

At school, it's pretty similar. Students might use it to ask friends if they're free to hang out or study. Teachers might ask if students are free for extra help.

Translation hint: Do you have free time after lunch? Let's go to the library together.

Translation hint: Teacher, do you have free time this afternoon to tutor me?

§ 空闲的 (kòngxiánde) in the News and General Conversation

While 'free time' isn't usually a breaking news headline, you might encounter 空闲的 (kòngxiánde) in news articles or commentaries discussing people's lifestyles, work-life balance, or leisure activities. It's more about how people manage their time.

Translation hint: Many urban residents have less and less free time.

In general conversation, this word is everywhere. It's just a common way to talk about when you're available or not. You'll hear it when people are:

• Making plans: “你周末有空闲的时间吗？” (Do you have free time this weekend?)
• Asking for help: “我现在有点空闲的，我可以帮你。” (I have some free time now, I can help you.)
• Talking about hobbies: “他喜欢在空闲的时候看书。” (He likes to read in his free time.)

So, next time you're trying to figure out if someone is available or if you have a moment for something, just remember 空闲的 (kòngxiánde). It's a simple word that opens up a lot of conversational possibilities. Practice using it and you'll sound much more natural when talking about your schedule or someone else's.