歇 xiē to stop
to stop; to rest; to lodge; to take a break
How to remember 歇: 曷 why + 欠 to lack = to stop. After the long climb, grandpa asks himself why he came, his breath still lacking, and looks for a hut to stop for the night.
Component breakdown
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
歇 = 曷 why + 欠 to lack
- 曷 why sound
- 欠 to lack meaning
After the long climb, grandpa asks himself why he came, his breath still lacking, and looks for a hut to stop for the night.
How it came to be
In the small seal form, the right part gives the meaning and the left part gives the sound: to rest.
How it is used
- To rest/stop for a break: 歇一会儿 (xiē yíhuìr) to rest a while, 歇歇脚 to rest one's feet.
- 间歇 (jiànxiē) = intermittent/an intermission: 间歇性 intermittent.
- Colloquial/northern flavor for taking a breather: 歇会儿再干 rest then continue.
- 歇业 (xiēyè) = to close down business (temporarily or for good).