hit3 sik1歇息
Jyutpinghit3 sik1
Yalehit sīk
Definition
To rest or take a break, typically for a longer period than a brief stop.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This term carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the everyday 休息. It often implies a deliberate pause in a journey or a period of recovery after significant exertion. While 休息 is the standard, neutral term for taking a break, 歇息 feels more descriptive of settling down to regain strength.
Examples
We have been working all day, why don't we take a break for a while?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this in casual settings where 休息 is much more natural. It is rarely used for short, routine breaks like a five minute coffee pause, as it suggests a more substantial period of rest.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
