Translation guide
A period of time when someone is officially allowed to be away from work, school, or duties. Japanese has distinct terms depending on the reason (sick leave, childcare, personal reasons) and context (work vs. school).
To take an approved break from work or responsibilities, often for personal reasons.
General term for leave, vacation, or time off. Often used in compounds to specify the type of leave.
彼は一週間の休暇を取った。
He took a week's leave.
有給休暇を申請する。
Apply for paid leave.
Leave of absence from a job, often for an extended period. Implies retaining the position while away.
彼女は育児休職中です。
She is on childcare leave.
病気のため休職した。
I took a leave of absence due to illness.
Casual way to say 'take time off' or 'take a break'. Can be used for short leaves or vacations.
明日、休みを取ります。
I'll take the day off tomorrow.
Leave taken due to illness or injury.
Absence due to illness. Commonly used in work or school contexts.
彼は今日病欠です。
He is off sick today.
Sick leave, often used in formal HR contexts.
To take off due to feeling unwell. More casual and commonly used in conversation.
今日は体調不良で休みます。
I'm taking the day off because I'm not feeling well.
Leave to care for a child or family member.
Childcare leave, typically for parents after childbirth.
育児休暇を取得する男性が増えている。
More men are taking childcare leave.
Nursing care leave, for taking care of an elderly or ill family member.
介護休暇制度を利用する。
Use the nursing care leave system.
Taking time off from school or university.
Leave of absence from school, often for a semester or year. The student remains enrolled but does not attend classes.
彼は一年間休学して留学した。
He took a year off from school to study abroad.
To be absent from school, usually for a short period like a day or a few days.
風邪で学校を休んだ。
I was absent from school with a cold.
Authorized absence from military duties.
Same general term, but in military context it refers to leave or furlough.
兵士に休暇が与えられた。
The soldiers were granted leave.
Archaic or formal term for leave granted by a superior, especially in military or imperial contexts.
将軍は兵に賜暇を与えた。
The general granted the soldiers leave.
休暇 (kyūka) is a general term for time off, including vacations and short leaves. 休職 (kyūshoku) specifically means a leave of absence from one's job, often for an extended period, while retaining the position. Use 休暇 for holidays and short breaks, and 休職 for longer work-related leaves like maternity or sick leave.
The English word 'leave' in 'leave of absence' does not directly translate to a single Japanese word. Avoid using 去る (saru) or 出発 (shuppatsu). Instead, use the appropriate compound with 休 (kyū) meaning 'rest' or 'absence'.
仕事を休職しています。
I'm on a leave of absence from work.
彼女は母親の介護のため休職した。
She took a leave of absence to care for her mother.
病気休暇を申請する必要があります。
You need to apply for sick leave.