いとま

Alternative writings: ,
JLPT:N1
Frequency:

1Spare time; free time or leisure.

NounUsually Kana

Examples

週末はいとまがあるから、一緒に映画に行かない?

I'm free this weekend — want to go to a movie together?

子どもが昼寝している間にいとまができた。

I had some free time while the child was napping.

いとまがあれば、料理教室に通いたい。

If I had free time, I'd like to attend a cooking class.

2Time off; leave; vacation — taking time away from work or duties.

NounUsually Kana

Examples

彼は家族の事情でしばらくいとまを取ることになった。

He decided to take time off for family reasons.

会社にいとまを願い出て、海外へ行った。

He requested leave from the company and went abroad.

3A dated/old-fashioned term meaning resignation, dismissal, or divorce.

NounUsually KanaDated Term

Examples

彼は職を辞するいとまを上申した(文語的表現)。

He submitted his resignation (literary expression).

4Leaving; taking one's leave; farewell — the act of departing or saying goodbye (as in 'おいとま').

NounUsually Kana

Examples

用事があるので、ここでいとまをいただきます。

I have something to do, so I'll take my leave here.

訪問先で丁寧にいとまを告げて帰った。

I politely took my leave at the place I visited and went home.