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.
週末は家でのんびり過ごした。
I whiled away the weekend at home.
公園でのんびり過ごすのが好きです。
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.
今日は一日ゆっくり過ごそう。
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.
休みの日はいつもだらだら過ごしてしまう。
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.
電車を待つ間、本を読んで時間をつぶした。
I whiled away the time reading a book while waiting for the train.
A more explicit, slightly literary way to say 'spend time leisurely'. Less common in casual speech.
彼は田舎でのんびりと時間を過ごした。
He whiled away the time in the countryside.