Hima describes a state of having free time or being unoccupied, often used in social invitations or to express boredom.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to having free time or being unoccupied.
- Used to express boredom or availability for social plans.
- Functions as a na-adjective or a noun.
一般的な文脈
友人との会話で「今度ひまなとき遊ぼう」と言ったり、仕事が落ち着いたときに「今日はひまだね」と言ったりします。また、退屈を感じているときに「ひまで死にそう」のように感情を強調することもあります。
類似語との比較
「空き時間」は物理的な隙間の時間を指しますが、「ひま」は主観的な忙しさや退屈さを含んだニュアンスが強いです。「暇つぶし」という名詞形もよく使われ、退屈を紛らわせるための行動を指します。
Examples
今度ひまなとき、カフェに行こう。
everydayLet's go to a cafe when you're free next time.
お手すきの際に、資料をご確認いただけますでしょうか。
formalCould you please check the documents when you are free?
ひまで死にそう。
informalI'm so bored I could die.
現代人はひまな時間を持つことが難しい。
academicIt is difficult for modern people to have free time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
おひまですか？
Are you free?
ひまなら手伝って。
If you are free, please help me.
ひまを持て余す
To have too much time on one's hands
Often Confused With
Aki-jikan refers to a specific gap in a schedule, whereas 'hima' describes a general state of not being busy.
Yasumi refers to a designated day off or break, while 'hima' is about whether one is currently occupied or not.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'hima' primarily in casual settings among friends or family. In professional environments, avoid 'hima' as it can imply a lack of productivity; prefer 'otetsuki' or 'yoyuu'. Always use 'na' when connecting 'hima' to a noun.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget the 'na' particle when modifying nouns (e.g., saying 'hima toki' instead of 'hima na toki'). Also, using 'hima' to a superior can sound rude, so learners must remember formal alternatives.
Tips
Use with 'toki' for invitations
Combine 'hima' with 'toki' to suggest plans. Saying 'Hima na toki ni asobou' is a natural way to invite friends.
Avoid using with superiors
Telling a boss you are 'hima' might sound like you are lazy or lack work. Use 'otetsuki' instead to sound professional.
The concept of 'Ma'
In Japanese culture, 'hima' isn't always negative. It relates to 'Ma' (space), which is valued as a time for reflection or rest.
Word Origin
The word originates from the concept of 'space' or 'gap' (間 - ma). It evolved to represent the 'gap' in one's schedule, signifying free time.
Cultural Context
In Japan, being constantly busy is often seen as a sign of importance. Therefore, claiming to be 'hima' can be a vulnerable admission, often used to signal that you are open to social interaction.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hima' as 'He-Ma' (He has a 'ma' or space in his schedule). It sounds like 'He-ma', a guy who has space to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「休み」は会社や学校などの公的な休日を指しますが、「ひま」は個人のスケジュールが空いている状態を指します。休みの日でも忙しいことはありますが、ひまな日は忙しくありません。
目上の人に対して使う場合は注意が必要です。「おひまですか？」と聞くのは相手の時間を奪う可能性があるため、ビジネスでは「お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが」などのクッション言葉を使うのが適切です。
空いた時間を退屈せずに過ごすための行動やアイテムを指します。例えば、待ち時間にスマホを見たり本を読んだりすることを「ひまつぶし」と言います。
「おひま」と丁寧に言うこともありますが、文脈によっては「お手すきの時間」という表現の方がビジネスシーンでは自然で丁寧です。
Test Yourself
今日は仕事が早く終わったので、とても___です。
仕事が早く終わったという状況から、時間が空いていることを表す「ひま」が適切です。
友人を誘う時の自然な言い方はどれですか？
「ひまなとき」という表現は誘い文句として非常に自然で一般的です。
（ひま・とき・は・に・本・読む・の・を）
「ひま」はな形容詞なので、名詞を修飾するときは「な」が必要です。
Score: /3
Summary
Hima describes a state of having free time or being unoccupied, often used in social invitations or to express boredom.
- Refers to having free time or being unoccupied.
- Used to express boredom or availability for social plans.
- Functions as a na-adjective or a noun.
Use with 'toki' for invitations
Combine 'hima' with 'toki' to suggest plans. Saying 'Hima na toki ni asobou' is a natural way to invite friends.
Avoid using with superiors
Telling a boss you are 'hima' might sound like you are lazy or lack work. Use 'otetsuki' instead to sound professional.
The concept of 'Ma'
In Japanese culture, 'hima' isn't always negative. It relates to 'Ma' (space), which is valued as a time for reflection or rest.
Examples
4 of 4今度ひまなとき、カフェに行こう。
Let's go to a cafe when you're free next time.
お手すきの際に、資料をご確認いただけますでしょうか。
Could you please check the documents when you are free?
ひまで死にそう。
I'm so bored I could die.
現代人はひまな時間を持つことが難しい。
It is difficult for modern people to have free time.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
