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休息 (xiū xi) — to rest, to take a break

Definition

Everyday verb for 'to rest' or take a short break during the day. Unlike 休假, it means pausing briefly, not going on vacation.

verb
to restto take a break

Examples

  • 休息。
    Wǒ men xiū xi yí huì r ba.
    Let's rest for a while.
  • 休息，。
    Nǐ xiū xi, wǒ gōng zuò.
    You rest, I'll work.
  • 休息。
    Tā xiū xi le shí fēn zhōng.
    He rested for ten minutes.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

休xiūrest
息xīstop

Both 休 and 息 convey stopping work to rest, giving the sense of taking a break.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

休 pairs 人 (man) with 木 (tree), showing a person leaning against a tree to rest.

Open 休 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

In 息, 自 is nose and 心 is heart, showing breath or life passing through one's nose.

Open 息 →
Appears in
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