“Free (time)” in Japanese is 暇 (ひま), pronounced hima.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
Free or not busy. Free of charge is a different word: 無料 (muryō).
Example sentences
- 今日は暇です。きょうはひまです。I’m free today.
- 暇なとき、何をしますか。ひまなとき、なにをしますか。What do you do in your free time?
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 暇. The rules are explained in い- vs. な-adjectives.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Before a noun | 暇な〜 ひまな〜 | free (time) (thing) |
| Polite present | 暇です ひまです | is free (time) |
| Negative | 暇じゃないです ひまじゃないです | isn’t free (time) |
| Past | 暇でした ひまでした | was free (time) |
| Past negative | 暇じゃなかったです ひまじゃなかったです | wasn’t free (time) |
| Adverb (に) | 暇に ひまに | adverb form (+ verb) |
Quick practice
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Related words: Adjectives
FAQ
How do you say free (time) in Japanese?
Free (time) in Japanese is 暇 (ひま), pronounced “hima”.
How do you write free (time) in Japanese?
It's written 暇 with kanji, or ひま in hiragana. Both are read hima.
Is 暇 on the JLPT?
Yes. 暇 (hima) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.