休息
xīu xi HSK 2

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我要休息。
Wǒ yào xiūxi.
I want to rest.
他休息了。
Tā xiūxi le.
He rested.
我们休息吧。
Wǒmen xiūxi ba.
Let's rest.
我下班后需要休息。
Wǒ xiàbān hòu xūyào xiūxi.
I need to rest after work.
我们休息十分钟吧。
Wǒmen xiūxi shí fēnzhōng ba.
Let's take a break for ten minutes.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 休 shows a person (亻) leaning against a tree (木), picturing someone resting under a tree. 息 means 'breath' or 'to cease,' together emphasizing stopping to breathe and recover.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register and used in both spoken and written Chinese across formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in daily life, work, and healthcare settings to discuss breaks, vacations, or recovery from illness.

📖 Grammar Points

Can be used as a verb (e.g., 我想休息) or reduplicated as 休息休息 for a casual suggestion (e.g., 你该休息休息了). It often pairs with time words like 一下 or 一会儿 to indicate a short break.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese work culture, taking regular breaks like 午休 (midday rest) is common. The phrase 劳逸结合 (balance work and rest) reflects a cultural value on rest for productivity and health.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 放松 (fàngsōng, 'to relax'), but 休息 focuses more on ceasing activity, while 放松 emphasizes reducing tension. 歇息 (xiēxi) is a near-synonym but is slightly more literary or dialectal.

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