休息
xiūxi
In Chinese, the word for "break" is 休息 (xiūxi).
The term 休息 is used both as a verb, meaning to rest or to take a break and as a noun, meaning a break or a rest. If you want to specify a "short break," you can use the term 短暂休息.
Meaning: transitive: to separate into (to cause to end up in) two or more pieces (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 休息 refers to taking a break or resting, the verb used for breaking a physical object, such as a glass, is 打破.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
A very common way to say "take a break" or "rest for a bit" is to use the phrase 休息一下. In this construction, 一下 indicates a short duration or a casual attempt.
How do you pronounce it?
xiūxi
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 休息 to mean breaking a physical object. Instead, use 打破 when you mean to break something physical.
Did you know?
- The character 休 in 休息 depicts a person leaning against a tree, visually representing the act of finding shade to rest.
- If a piece of machinery 'breaks' or malfunctions, Chinese speakers use 坏了 instead of 休息 or 打破, as it implies the item is 'spoiled' or 'bad'.
- In some contexts, if you tell a colleague to 休息, you might inadvertently sound like you are telling them to 'quit' or 'stop working' entirely rather than just taking a pause.
Examples in context
- 休息一下吧。Take a break.This sentence uses 休息 to suggest taking a break.Tatoeba #14004679 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #2250035 by CK
- 我只想休息一下I just need a break.This sentence uses 休息 to express a need for a break.Tatoeba #5975078 by zhangxr91, translation #2372801 by CK
- 是时候休息一下了。It's time for a break.This sentence uses 休息 to state that it is time for a break.Tatoeba #10182741 by slo_oth, translation #1140084 by CK
- 咱们休息一下，去喝杯咖啡吧。Let's take a short break and grab a cup of coffee.
- 我们已经学习了好几个小时了，是时候休息一下了！We have been studying for hours. It's time to take a break!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing their workload in the office.
- 佳怡 Jiayi俊杰，我们休息一下吧。Jùnjié, wǒmen xiūxí yīxià ba.Junjie, let's take a break.
- 俊杰 Junjie好，我也想休息。Hǎo, wǒ yě xiǎng xiūxí.Okay, I want to take a break too.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你想去喝杯咖啡吗？Nǐ xiǎng qù hē bēi kāfēi ma?Do you want to go grab a coffee?
- 俊杰 Junjie好主意，走吧。Hǎo zhǔyì, zǒu ba.Good idea, let's go.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
