1.
killing time; pastime
The act of doing something to pass idle time, or an activity done for that purpose. Can have a slightly casual or self-deprecating nuance.
暇つぶしにゲームをした。
I played games to kill time.
暇つぶしに本屋をぶらぶらした。
I wandered around the bookstore to pass the time.
電車の中での暇つぶしにスマホで動画を見ることが多い。
I often watch videos on my phone to kill time on the train.
USAGE:
A common casual expression. Can be used both as a noun (暇つぶしにする = to do something to kill time) and as a descriptive phrase. The kanji form 暇潰し also exists but is less common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 暇つぶしに〜する (to do ~ to kill time)
- いい暇つぶしになる (to be a good way to kill time)
- 暇つぶしの方法 (ways to pass the time)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 時間つぶし: killing time — a synonym with identical meaning
- 娯楽: entertainment, amusement — a more elevated term for leisure activities