Translation guide
To spend time in a relaxed, often pleasant way, without focusing on productivity.
To pass time in a relaxed, enjoyable manner, often without a specific purpose.
A natural, common way to say 'spend time leisurely' or 'take it easy'. It implies a relaxed, unhurried pace.
I whiled away the weekend at home.
I like to while away time in the park.
Similar to のんびり過ごす, but emphasizes taking one's time without rushing. Very common.
Let's while away the whole day today.
To spend time lazily, often with a slightly negative or self-deprecating nuance (like 'laze around'). Use when the idleness is unproductive.
I always end up whiling away my days off doing nothing.
Literally 'kill time'. Used when you have free time and need to fill it, often while waiting for something. Slightly more purposeful than pure idleness.
A more explicit, slightly literary way to say 'spend time leisurely'. Less common in casual speech.
I whiled away the time reading a book while waiting for the train.
He whiled away the time in the countryside.