Translation guide
Time off work to care for a child, typically after birth or adoption. In Japan, this is a legal right with specific terms for different situations.
The general concept of taking time off work to care for a child, often used in legal or HR contexts.
The standard legal and formal term for childcare leave. Often abbreviated as 育休 (いくきゅう) in casual conversation.
育児休業を取得する社員が増えています。
The number of employees taking childcare leave is increasing.
Common abbreviation of 育児休業, used in everyday conversation and less formal writing.
来月から育休に入ります。
I'm going on childcare leave from next month.
Leave specifically for the mother around the time of childbirth, distinct from general childcare leave.
Legal term for maternity leave, covering the period before and after childbirth. Often shortened to 産休 (さんきゅう).
産前産後休業は出産予定日の6週間前から取得できます。
Maternity leave can be taken from 6 weeks before the expected date of delivery.
Common abbreviation for maternity leave, used in everyday contexts.
Leave taken by the father after the birth of a child, often encouraged in Japan under a specific system.
The same term is used for fathers, but context makes it clear. The system パパ休暇 (ぱぱきゅうか) is a specific type.
夫が育児休業を取ってくれました。
My husband took childcare leave for me.
A colloquial term for paternity leave, often referring to the special system allowing fathers to take leave soon after birth.
パパ休暇を利用して、2週間休みました。
I took two weeks off using the paternity leave system.
How to say 'to take childcare leave' in Japanese.
The most common way to say 'take childcare leave'. 取る (とる) means 'to take'.
来年、育休を取る予定です。
I plan to take childcare leave next year.
Formal equivalent, often used in official documents or announcements.
育児休業を取得する権利があります。
You have the right to take childcare leave.
育休 (いくきゅう) is childcare leave that can be taken by either parent after the child is born, usually until the child is 1 year old (extendable). 産休 (さんきゅう) is maternity leave specifically for the mother, covering 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. Fathers cannot take 産休.
In casual conversation, 育休 is fine. In formal writing or official procedures, use 育児休業. When speaking to your boss, 育休 is acceptable but 育児休業 sounds more respectful.
産休中はゆっくり休んでください。
Please rest well during your maternity leave.