yǒu kòng: 有空 - To be free, to have free time

Keywords: you kong, yǒu kòng, 有空, have free time in Chinese, are you free Chinese, when are you free Chinese, make plans in Chinese, Chinese for available, Mandarin social phrases, HSK 1 vocabulary.

Summary: “有空” (yǒu kòng) is a fundamental Mandarin Chinese phrase that directly translates to “to have free time” or “to be available.” It's one of the most essential phrases for socializing, making plans, and checking someone's availability. Whether you're inviting a friend for dinner, scheduling a meeting, or politely declining an offer, understanding how to use 有空 is crucial for everyday conversation in China.

Pinyin (with tone marks): yǒu kòng

Part of Speech: Verb phrase / Adjective

HSK Level: HSK 1

Concise Definition: To have unoccupied time; to be available or free.

In a Nutshell: “有空” (yǒu kòng) is the Swiss Army knife for discussing schedules in Chinese. It literally means “to have emptiness” or “to have a gap” in your schedule. It's the primary way you ask “Are you free?” and is the foundation for making any kind of social or professional arrangement.

有 (yǒu): This character means “to have,” “to possess,” or “there is/are.” It's one of the most common characters in Chinese.

空 (kòng): This character has two main pronunciations. As kòng, it means “leisure,” “free time,” or an “empty space/gap.” (As kōng, it means “empty” or “sky”).

When combined, 有 (yǒu) + 空 (kòng) literally means “to have free time.” The logic is direct and easy for learners to grasp.

In Chinese culture, social bonding is heavily reliant on shared activities, especially meals. The phrase “有空一起吃饭” (yǒu kòng yīqǐ chīfàn), meaning “Let's eat together when we're free,” is more than just a casual suggestion; it's a primary tool for building and maintaining 关系 (guānxi), or social relationships.

Comparison to Western Culture: In American culture, saying “Let's hang out sometime” can often be a polite, non-committal platitude. While “有空…” can also be used casually, it often carries a more sincere intention to connect. Asking someone if they “有空” is a gentle and indirect way to propose an activity. It respects the other person's time and avoids putting them on the spot, aligning with the cultural value of social harmony. It's less transactional than “What's your availability?” and more relational, focusing on the shared desire to spend time together.

Formality: “有空” is a neutral term suitable for most situations, from casual chats with friends to informal business settings. In a highly formal context, you might use the more polite 方便 (fāngbiàn), as in “请问您什么时候方便?” (Qǐngwèn nín shénme shíhou fāngbiàn? - Excuse me, when would be convenient for you?), but “有空” remains universally understood and widely accepted.

没空 (méi kòng) - The direct antonym: “not free,” “to not have time.”

忙 (máng) - Adjective for “busy.” The state of being the opposite of 有空.

有事 (yǒu shì) - “To be occupied,” “to have something to do.” The most common reason for being 没空.

方便 (fāngbiàn) - “Convenient.” A slightly more formal or polite way to ask about availability, focusing on ease for the other person.

空闲 (kòngxián) - A more formal or written synonym for “free time” or “leisure.” You might see it in writing more than hear it in casual conversation.

时间 (shíjiān) - The general word for “time.” Asking “你明天有时间吗?” (Nǐ míngtiān yǒu shíjiān ma?) is almost identical in meaning to asking if they 有空.

约 (yuē) - Verb for “to make an appointment” or “to invite/ask someone out.” This is the action you often take once you confirm someone is 有空.

安排 (ānpái) - “Arrangement,” “plan,” or “to arrange.” Having an “安排” is a reason for being 没空.