Translation and Meaning of: 暇 - itoma

Have you ever stopped to think about how the Japanese express the idea of free time or farewell? The word 暇 (いとま) carries meanings that go beyond the obvious, mixing leisure, leave, and even a farewell filled with significance. In this article, you will discover the fascinating etymology behind this kanji, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and even tips to memorize it effortlessly. Here at Suki Nihongo, in addition to meaning and translation, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies.

If you've ever wondered why 暇 can mean both "free time" and "goodbye," the answer lies in Japanese culture and how time is perceived. This word is more common than it seems, appearing in everyday conversations and even in mangas. Let's explore from its pictogram to curiosities that even grammar books don't mention.

The origin and etymology of 暇

The kanji 暇 is composed of two radicals: 日 (sun/day) and 叚 (an old character that represented "break" or "interval"). Together, they paint the picture of a free day, a moment of respite between obligations. It is no wonder that this word carries the idea of available time, something rare in a society known for its intense work ethic.

In classical language, いとま originally referred to "permission to leave" or "dispensation," commonly in the context of servants asking for authorization to leave work. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any type of interval or farewell. A curiosity? The same kanji in Chinese retains the sense of "leave," but has lost the connotation of goodbye that exists in Japanese.

Lies in everyday life and cultural nuances

In modern Japan, hearing 「暇ですか？」(Hima desu ka?) is like an invitation to go out or a hint about your availability. But beware: saying that you have "muita 暇" can give the impression that you are unoccupied. The Japanese tend to value balance — having free time is good, but exaggerating the description can sound negative.

In the form お暇する (Oitoma suru), the word becomes a polite verb meaning "to say goodbye," especially in formal situations or when someone is leaving a job. Imagine a samurai asking for permission to leave his lord's castle — this historical scene illustrates why 暇 acquired such a poetic dual meaning.

Tips for memorization and related searches

Do you want a trick to never forget this kanji? Think of the radical 日 as "a day without clouds" — perfect for resting. The right side can be visualized as someone stretching their arms (the long stroke) during a break. This mental image helps to reinforce both the writing and the meaning of "休み" (break).

In Google searches about 暇, questions often arise such as "the difference between hima and yasumi" (another word for time off) or "how to use itoma in sentences." A valuable tip: in casual conversations, 暇 sounds more natural for informal plans ("Let’s grab a coffee when you have 暇?"), while お暇する is reserved for serious occasions, almost like a graceful "resignation."

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 空き (aki) - empty space, something free or unoccupied
• ひま (hima) - free time, 暇を持つ
• 余暇 (yoka) - leisure time, free moments for relaxing activities
• 余裕 (yoyuu) - leeway, margin of time or resources, sometimes refers to a feeling of calm or emotional space
• 空暇 (kuuka) - idle time, time when nothing is done
• 手空き (teaki) - idle, unemployed at work, when you are free to help or do something else
• 暇つぶし (himatsubushi) - spending time, activities done to fill free time

暇

Romaji: itoma
Kana: いとま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Free time; Leisure; License; Free time available; Goodbye

Meaning in English: free time;leisure;leave;spare time;farewell

Definition: I have time and nothing to do.

Example Sentences - (暇) itoma

See below some example sentences:

暇な時に何をしますか？

Hima na toki ni nani wo shimasu ka?

What do you do when you are free?

• 暇な時 - It means "free time" in Japanese.
• に - It is a Japanese particle that indicates time or place.
• 何 - means "what" in Japanese.
• を - is a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• します - It is the verb "fazer" in Japanese, conjugated in the present.
• か - It is a Japanese particle that indicates a question.

私は余暇に読書をするのが好きです。

Watashi wa yoka ni dokusho wo suru no ga suki desu

I like to read during my free time.

I like to read my leisure.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 余暇 (yoka) - noun that means "free time"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the time in which the action occurs, in this case "during free time"
• 読書 (dokusho) - noun that means "reading"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "reading"
• する (suru) - verb that means "to do"
• のが (noga) - particle that indicates the nominal subject function of the sentence, in this case "to read"
• 好き (suki) - adjective meaning "to like"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and affirmative form of the sentence

私は休暇を楽しみにしています。

Watashi wa kyuuka wo tanoshimi ni shiteimasu

I am anxious

I'm looking forward to the holidays.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 休暇 - Japanese noun meaning "vacation"
• を - direct object particle indicating that "férias" is the direct object of the action
• 楽しみ - Japanese verb that means "to have fun" or "to look forward to"
• に - particle that indicates the target or goal of the action, in this case, "vacation"
• しています - compound verb indicating an ongoing action, in this case, "I am eagerly waiting for the holidays"