课间休息
kèjiān xiūxi
The English word "recess" is translated into Chinese as 课间休息 (kèjiān xiūxi).
课间休息 is used specifically to refer to the short breaks between class periods in a school setting, such as time away from studying for a meal or recreation.
Meaning: time away from studying during the school day for a meal or recreation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 课间 (between classes) and 休息 (to rest/take a break).
Which one should you use?
While 课间休息 is specific to the school context, the component 休息 can be used on its own to mean "to rest" or "a break" in any general context.
How do you pronounce it?
kèjiān xiūxi
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, a long 'recess' for lunch is often called 午休, meaning 'noon rest', which frequently includes a mandatory nap time for students.
- In many Chinese schools, the 课间休息 is often used for 'eye exercises' where students massage their temples and look into the distance to prevent myopia.
- The word 休息 contains the character 休, which depicts a person 人 leaning against a tree 木.
Examples in context
- 课间休息时间很短。Kèjiān xiūxi shíjiān hěn duǎn.The recess time is very short.
- 我们课间休息时去打球吧。Wǒmen kèjiān xiūxi shí qù dǎqiú ba.Let's play ball during recess.
- 课间休息的时候，别忘了喝水。Kèjiān xiūxi de shíhòu, bié wàngle hē shuǐ.During recess, don't forget to drink water.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the classroom.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你课间休息要做什么？Jiāyí, nǐ kèjiān xiūxí yào zuò shénme?Jiayi, what are you doing during recess?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我想去图书馆看书。Wǒ xiǎng qù túshūguǎn kànshū.I want to go to the library to read.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那我们课间休息见吧。Nà wǒmen kèjiān xiūxí jiàn ba.Then I'll see you at recess.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好的，志强，一会儿见。Hǎo de, Zhìqiáng, yīhuìr jiàn.Okay, Zhiqiang, see you in a bit.
