暇(いとま)

いとま
noun
spare time, leave
formal
1. spare time, free time, leisure
A more formal or literary expression for free time.
数(かぞ)え上(あ)げれば暇(いとま)がない。
There's no end to listing them all.
忙(いそが)しくて休(やす)む暇(いとま)もない。
I'm so busy I don't even have time to rest.
問題(もんだい)は枚挙(まいきょ)に暇(いとま)がない。
The problems are too numerous to list.
2. leave, leave-taking, farewell
Used when taking one's leave, especially in formal situations.
そろそろお暇(いとま)します。
I should take my leave now.
長居(ながい)してしまいました。お暇(いとま)いたします。
I've overstayed. I shall take my leave.
暇(いとま)を告(つ)げて帰路(きろ)についた。
I said my farewells and headed home.

暇(いとま) is a formal/literary reading of the kanji 暇(ひま). It appears primarily in set expressions rather than in casual conversation.

SENSE 1 — SPARE TIME:
Used in formal expressions about having (or lacking) time:

SENSE 2 — LEAVE-TAKING:
A formal way of excusing oneself:

CONTRAST WITH ひま:

  • 暇(ひま): free time, not busy (everyday word)
  • 暇(いとま): spare time, leave-taking (formal/literary)

The same kanji is read differently: ひま is casual and common; いとま is elevated and restricted to set phrases.

Related Words

Compare: 暇(ひま) (free time (everyday reading))
general
Added 2026.2.5 23:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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