Meaning
To have some free time from work or tasks.
Cultural Background
Asking if someone is free is a way of showing respect for their time. It is common to use this to avoid being pushy. Historically, it refers to a master craftsman finishing a task.
Use it to be polite
Always check if someone is free before asking for a favor.
Don't use with superiors
Use more formal language with bosses.
Meaning
To have some free time from work or tasks.
Use it to be polite
Always check if someone is free before asking for a favor.
Don't use with superiors
Use more formal language with bosses.
The 'te-iru' form
Remember to use 'te-iru' for the state of being free.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
今、手が＿＿＿＿＿ですか？
We use the 'te-iru' form for current states.
Which is the most natural way to ask a friend?
Choose the best option.
Casual speech drops the 'i' in 'iru'.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match '手が空く' to the English equivalent.
It means having no tasks.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 手が空いたら手伝って。 B: ＿＿＿＿＿。
Confirming current state.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises今、手が＿＿＿＿＿ですか？
We use the 'te-iru' form for current states.
Choose the best option.
Casual speech drops the 'i' in 'iru'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means having no tasks.
A: 手が空いたら手伝って。 B: ＿＿＿＿＿。
Confirming current state.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is better to use 'お時間ありますか' for superiors.
No, it works for any task or social situation.
Use '手が離せません' (I can't let go of my hands).
It is neutral.
Use '手が空きました'.
Yes, but '暇' is more common for leisure.
It's a metaphor for being able to work.
Yes, very.
Related Phrases
余裕がある
similarTo have leeway
忙しい
contrastBusy
暇がある
similarTo have free time
