free time; leisure; spare time
Refers to time when one is not busy; often used in set phrases like いとまがない (have no free time).
His mistakes are too numerous to count.
Lately I've been so busy with work that I have no free time.
Specifically time away from work or duties; can be used for holidays or personal leave.
He took a week off and went on a trip.
resignation; dismissal; divorce
Dated usage; refers to leaving a job or ending a marriage. Now mostly seen in historical contexts or set expressions.
In the past, samurai would sometimes request leave from their lord.
The guest said his farewells to the host and left.
He took a week off and went on a trip.
The master dismissed his servant.
忙しい describes being busy with no spare time, the opposite state from having いとま (free time).
Usually written in kana; the kanji spelling 暇 is also used but less common.
Rarely used kanji form.
Kanji spelling; can also be read ひま, so context is needed.
The origin is uncertain; the word has been used since classical Japanese with meanings related to 'interval' or 'spare time'.