It is the art of finding small moments of joy and rest within a hectic life.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To find a short break during a busy schedule.
- Describes active pursuit of balance amidst high pressure.
- Implies a clever or deliberate effort to relax.
1) 概览：忙里偷闲是一个非常形象的成语，由“忙里”和“偷闲”两部分组成。它生动地刻画了在快节奏生活中，人们为了缓解压力而主动寻找片刻安宁的心理与行为。这不仅是一种时间管理策略，更是一种积极的生活态度。
2) 使用模式：该短语通常用作谓语，描述主语在极度忙碌的状态下，通过主观努力获得一段休闲时光。它常用于叙述性文体或日常交流中，带有一定的感叹色彩，表达对生活平衡的追求。
3) 常见语境：多用于形容高强度工作后的喘息，例如在连续开会间隙喝杯咖啡、在繁重的课业中抽空读几页闲书，或在长途差旅中欣赏窗外风景。它常出现在个人感悟、散文或职场交流中。
4) 近义词辨析：与“劳逸结合”相比，“忙里偷闲”更强调“偷”这个动作，即在不允许或困难的情况下挤出时间，带有主观的能动性和一丝调皮的自嘲意味；而“劳逸结合”则是一种客观的、规律性的生活准则。
Examples
虽然工作很忙，但他还是忙里偷闲去看了场电影。
everydayDespite his busy work, he managed to snatch a moment to watch a movie.
在紧张的筹备期，我们忙里偷闲举行了一个小型的茶话会。
formalDuring the intense preparation period, we took a short break for a small tea party.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
忙里偷闲的时光
A moment of snatched leisure
Often Confused With
Refers to avoiding work or responsibilities due to laziness, which is negative.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is versatile but leans towards informal or semi-formal contexts. It is often used to express a positive attitude towards life. Avoid using it in professional settings where you need to emphasize total dedication to a task.
Common Mistakes
People often mistake it for 'being lazy' (偷懒). Remember that this word implies you have earned your break through hard work. Do not use it when you are actually neglecting your duties.
Tips
Use it to show resilience
When describing your busy schedule, use this to show you are still in control of your well-being.
Do not confuse with laziness
Ensure the context implies you have been productive, otherwise it might sound like you are avoiding work.
Reflects Chinese work-life balance
It reflects the traditional Chinese wisdom of finding inner peace despite external chaos.
Word Origin
The term combines 'busy' and 'leisure', reflecting the ancient Chinese philosophy of seeking balance. It suggests that even in a 'busy' (忙) environment, one can 'steal' (偷) a moment of 'leisure' (闲).
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, hard work is highly valued, but so is the ability to maintain one's spirit. This phrase represents the wisdom of self-care without sacrificing productivity.
Memory Tip
Think of a busy ant (忙) stealing (偷) a piece of sugar (闲) to enjoy. It helps you remember the 'snatching' aspect of the phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不带贬义。这是一个褒义词，赞扬人们在压力下依然能够保持乐观心态和调节生活的能力。
通常不建议在非常严肃的正式公文中出现。它更适合用于个人叙述、随笔或非正式的社交场合。
即使生活再忙，也要给自己留出喝杯茶的时间。
完全不同。偷懒是指逃避责任和工作，而忙里偷闲是在完成任务基础上的调节，目的是为了更好地工作。
Test Yourself
他在繁重的工作之余，总能___，读上一会儿书。
句意是描述在忙碌中挤出时间，符合“忙里偷闲”的用法。
Score: /1
Summary
It is the art of finding small moments of joy and rest within a hectic life.
- To find a short break during a busy schedule.
- Describes active pursuit of balance amidst high pressure.
- Implies a clever or deliberate effort to relax.
Use it to show resilience
When describing your busy schedule, use this to show you are still in control of your well-being.
Do not confuse with laziness
Ensure the context implies you have been productive, otherwise it might sound like you are avoiding work.
Reflects Chinese work-life balance
It reflects the traditional Chinese wisdom of finding inner peace despite external chaos.
Examples
2 of 2虽然工作很忙，但他还是忙里偷闲去看了场电影。
Despite his busy work, he managed to snatch a moment to watch a movie.
在紧张的筹备期，我们忙里偷闲举行了一个小型的茶话会。
During the intense preparation period, we took a short break for a small tea party.
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反常
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