jau1 haan4休閑休闲
Jyutpingjau1 haan4
Yaleyāu hàahn
Definition
Leisure, relaxing, or enjoying free time.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While often written as 休閑, the variant 休閒 is also frequently encountered in written Cantonese. It functions as an adjective to describe an atmosphere or a lifestyle, but it is also commonly used as a verb phrase when paired with 吓 to indicate the act of taking a break. It carries a sense of unhurried ease that distinguishes it from simply resting or sleeping.
Examples
What do you like to do when you are relaxing?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical rest after exhaustion, as it focuses more on leisure and lack of pressure rather than recovery from fatigue. For physical rest, 休息 is the standard and more appropriate choice.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
