Translation guide
In Japanese, 'public holiday' is most commonly expressed as 祝日 (shukujitsu) or 祭日 (saijitsu), though 祝日 is the standard modern term. The phrase 国民の祝日 (kokumin no shukujitsu) specifically refers to national holidays. Note that 休日 (kyūjitsu) means 'day off' or 'holiday' in general, not necessarily a public holiday.
Referring to a government-designated holiday when schools and many businesses are closed.
The standard word for a public holiday. Used in official contexts and everyday speech.
Referring to a day when one does not work, which may or may not be a public holiday.
祝日 (shukujitsu) specifically means a public holiday established by law. 休日 (kyūjitsu) is a broader term for any non-working day, including weekends and company holidays. If you want to say 'public holiday', use 祝日.
English 'holiday' can mean a vacation trip. In Japanese, that is 休暇 (kyūka) or バカンス (bakansu). 祝日 does not mean vacation.
明日は祝日だから、学校は休みです。
Tomorrow is a public holiday, so school is closed.
祝日には多くの店が休業します。
Many shops close on public holidays.
Literally 'national holiday'. Used to emphasize the official, nationwide status. Often seen in legal or formal contexts.
国民の祝日に関する法律
Act on National Holidays
Traditionally referred to Shinto festival days. Now often used interchangeably with 祝日, but can sound slightly old-fashioned or religious. In modern usage, 祝日 is preferred.
祭日には神社でお祭りがあります。
On festival days, there are festivals at the shrine.
General term for a day off or holiday. Can include weekends, company holidays, and personal leave. Not limited to public holidays.
今週の金曜日は休日です。
This Friday is a day off.
休日にはよく家族と出かけます。
I often go out with my family on days off.