Definition
消遣 has two related meanings: to pass the time (e.g., with music or fishing) and to tease someone lightly as a way to kill time. For passing time, it is more casual than 娱乐 (formal recreation/entertainment) and less childlike than 玩耍. For teasing, it is lighter than 取笑 (mocking) and less gentle than 逗 (playful teasing, often with kids); it's closest to 调侃 (light-hearted fun-poking).
verb
to while away timeto pass the timeto make fun ofto tease
Examples
- 消遣。Tā xǐhuan yòng tīng yīnyuè lái xiāo qiǎn.He likes to while away time by listening to music.
- 消遣！Bié ná wǒ xiāo qiǎn le!Don't make fun of me!
- 消遣。Zhōumò tā chángcháng qù diàoyú xiāo qiǎn.He often goes fishing to pass the time on weekends.
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