Hima means having free time or being bored due to a lack of things to do.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to having spare time or being free.
- Describes a state of boredom due to lack of tasks.
- Commonly used in casual daily conversations.
Overview
- 1概要：「暇」は、主に「時間がある」ことと「退屈している」ことの二つの意味を持ちます。形容動詞として「暇な」と使われることが多く、名詞として「暇」だけで使われることもあります。日常会話で非常に頻繁に使われる言葉です。
一般的な文脈：友人との会話で「明日、暇？」と予定を聞いたり、仕事中に「今、暇？」と手伝いを求めたりする際に使います。また、休日などに「暇だね」と退屈な気持ちを共有する際にも使われます。
- 1類語との比較：「余裕（よゆう）」は時間や心にスペースがあるというポジティブなニュアンスが強いですが、「暇」は単に予定が空いている状態や、退屈さを伴うニュアンスが含まれます。「空き時間」は単にスケジュール上の空白を指す客観的な言葉です。
Examples
明日、暇？
everydayAre you free tomorrow?
お暇なときに読んでください。
formalPlease read it when you have time.
今日は一日中暇だった。
informalI was free all day today.
暇つぶしに本を読む。
academicI read a book to kill time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
暇つぶし
killing time
お暇をいただく
to take leave
暇を持て余す
to have too much time on one's hands
Often Confused With
Yoyuu implies having extra resources like time, money, or emotional space. Hima strictly refers to a lack of scheduled tasks.
Akijikan is a neutral, objective term for a gap in a schedule. Hima is more subjective and relates to the person's feeling of being free.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Hima is versatile, acting as a noun or an adjective. In formal contexts, use 'ojikan ga aru' instead. It is essential for casual social planning.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'hima' with superiors, which is disrespectful. Avoid saying 'Anata wa hima desu ka' to a teacher. Use 'hima' to describe yourself or friends only.
Tips
Use Hima for casual plans
When asking a friend to hang out, use 'Hima?' to ask if they are free. It is natural and very common in casual Japanese.
Don't use with superiors
Calling a boss or teacher 'hima' is rude as it implies they have nothing important to do. Use 'ojikan ga arimasu ka' instead.
The concept of Hima
In Japan, being busy is often seen as a virtue. Therefore, 'hima' can sometimes carry a slight nuance of being unproductive.
Word Origin
Derived from the concept of having no professional or personal obligations. Historically associated with being away from official duties.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, 'hima' is often viewed as a temporary state. Being constantly 'hima' can be perceived negatively as lacking initiative or purpose.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hima' as 'He-ma' (He has no tasks today). It helps remember that he is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「休み」は仕事や学校が公式にない日を指しますが、「暇」は個人的に予定が入っていない状態を指します。たとえ「休み」の日でも、忙しければ「暇ではない」と言えます。
「暇人」は、いつも暇な人、または何もしないでぶらぶらしている人を指す少し揶揄した表現です。親しい間柄で冗談として使われることが多いです。
これは「解雇する」という意味の古い言い回しです。現代の日常会話ではあまり使われませんが、小説や時代劇などで見かけることがあります。
「お暇（おいとま）」という言葉があります。「お暇をいただく（帰らせていただく）」や「お暇なときに」のように使いますが、少し改まった表現になります。
Test Yourself
明日の午後、___ですか？
「暇ですか？」と相手に尋ねる場合は名詞として使います。
退屈な時間を過ごすことを何と言いますか？
「暇をつぶす」は、待ち時間などに何かをして時間をやり過ごすという決まった表現です。
（暇 / なので / 今 / 遊びに / 行きます）
「今、暇なので」という順序が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Hima means having free time or being bored due to a lack of things to do.
- Refers to having spare time or being free.
- Describes a state of boredom due to lack of tasks.
- Commonly used in casual daily conversations.
Use Hima for casual plans
When asking a friend to hang out, use 'Hima?' to ask if they are free. It is natural and very common in casual Japanese.
Don't use with superiors
Calling a boss or teacher 'hima' is rude as it implies they have nothing important to do. Use 'ojikan ga arimasu ka' instead.
The concept of Hima
In Japan, being busy is often seen as a virtue. Therefore, 'hima' can sometimes carry a slight nuance of being unproductive.
Examples
4 of 4明日、暇？
Are you free tomorrow?
お暇なときに読んでください。
Please read it when you have time.
今日は一日中暇だった。
I was free all day today.
暇つぶしに本を読む。
I read a book to kill 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.
