How to Say ‘Free time’ in Japanese
ひまなとき
ひまなとき
💬 Usage Tip: [ひま] is a noun; add [な] before [とき]: [ひまなとき]. This is a common noun+ [な] pattern.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Talking about [ひまなとき] is a nice way to transition into hobbies and weekend chat.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ひまひま
[hima]
free time; spare time
「ひま」 means “free/not busy.” With な + とき, it becomes a common pattern for hobbies: “when I have free time …”.
ひまなときはスポーツをします。
When I have free time, I play sports.
なな
[na]
na (linking form for na-adjectives/nouns)
Connects a noun/na-adjective to another noun: 「ひまなとき」 = “free time + time/when.”
ひまなとき、の「な」はつなぐことばです。
The 'na' in 'hima na toki' is a linking word.
ときとき
[toki]
time; when
Creates “when …” phrases used to describe routines and hobbies.
ひまなときにゲームをします。
When I have free time, I play games.
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