While away Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwaɪɫ/, /ˈwaɪɫ/ /əˈweɪ
WYL-uh-WAY
wˈaɪl/ /ɐwˈeɪ
WYL-uh-WAY
Definition
To spend time in a relaxed or pleasant way, usually when there is nothing important to do.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom; mostly used in informal or neutral settings. Common with 'the hours', 'the afternoon', 'a summer evening' (e.g., 'while away an afternoon'). Focuses on spending time pleasantly doing unimportant activities.
Spanish: matar el tiempo - pasar el ratoPortuguese (BR): passar o tempo - matar o tempoPortuguese (PT): passar o tempo - matar o tempoChinese (Simplified): 消磨时间Chinese (Traditional): 消磨時間Hindi: समय बितानाArabic: تمضية الوقتBengali: সময় কাটানো - অবসর সময় পার করাRussian: скоротать время - приятно проводить времяJapanese: のんびり過ごす - 時間をつぶすVietnamese: giết thời gian - thư giãn tận hưởng thời gianKorean: 한가롭게 시간을 보내다 - 무료하게 시간을 보내다Turkish: zaman öldürmek - keyifli vakit geçirmekUrdu: وقت گزارنا - فراغت میں وقت گزارناIndonesian: menghabiskan waktu santai - bersantai mengisi waktu
Example Sentences
We while away the hours playing cards.
basic
You can while away an afternoon in the park.
basic
They love to while away Sunday mornings at the café.
basic
Let's while away these rainy days with some good books.
natural
He would often while away hours just people-watching at the plaza.
natural
We found a cosy spot and whiled away the evening talking.
natural