Keeping busy Meaning in English
expression · lemma: keep busy
ˈkipɪŋ/ /ˈbɪzi
KEE-ping BIZ-ee
kˈiːpɪŋ/ /bˈɪzi
KEEP-ing BIZ-ee
Definition
Spending time doing different activities or tasks so that you are not bored or inactive.
Usage & Nuances
Informal expression used about staying occupied, often as a way to avoid boredom, stress, or negative feelings. Commonly self-directed, e.g., "I’m keeping busy," but also used to comment on others. Not used for being forced to work; more about choosing to stay active.
Spanish: mantenerse ocupadoPortuguese (BR): manter-se ocupadoPortuguese (PT): manter-se ocupadoChinese (Simplified): 让自己忙起来Chinese (Traditional): 讓自己忙起來Hindi: खुद को व्यस्त रखनाArabic: إبقاء النفس مشغولاًBengali: ব্যস্ত থাকা - সময় কাটানো (কাজে)Russian: заниматься делами - быть занятымJapanese: 忙しくしているVietnamese: giữ mình bận rộnKorean: 바쁘게 지내다Turkish: meşgul olmakUrdu: مصروف رہناIndonesian: menyibukkan diri
Example Sentences
He is keeping busy by working in the garden.
basic
Are you keeping busy these days?
basic
She likes keeping busy with her hobbies.
basic
I’ve been keeping busy to take my mind off things.
natural
Thanks for asking, I’m just keeping busy with work and family.
natural
During the holidays, kids like keeping busy with games and crafts.
natural