Translation guide
How to talk about taking a break from work or school in Japanese, including vacation, personal leave, and short breaks.
The speaker wants to refer to a period of vacation or holiday, typically planned and longer than a day.
General term for leave or vacation from work or school. Often used in formal contexts or with modifiers like 夏休暇 (summer vacation).
来週、一週間の休暇を取ります。
I'm taking a week off next week.
Casual, everyday word for a break, holiday, or day off. Can refer to school breaks, days off work, or rest.
明日は休みです。
Tomorrow is my day off.
Loanword from English, used for vacation trips, especially leisure travel. Sounds casual and modern.
夏にハワイでバケーションを楽しんだ。
I enjoyed a vacation in Hawaii in the summer.
Refers to a public holiday or a scheduled day off. More formal than 休み.
今日は国民の休日です。
Today is a national holiday.
The speaker wants to talk about a brief rest or pause from work, like a coffee break or lunch break.
A short break or rest during work or activity. Commonly used for coffee breaks, lunch breaks, etc.
ちょっと休憩しましょう。
Let's take a short break.
A brief rest, often used casually. Implies a short pause to relax.
The speaker needs to refer to time off for personal reasons, illness, or family matters.
Leave of absence from work, often for extended periods due to illness, childcare, or personal reasons. Formal.
彼女は産休のため休職中です。
She is on leave for maternity leave.
Absence due to illness. Often used in workplace contexts.
The speaker wants to express having free time away from obligations, not necessarily a formal leave.
Free time, leisure. Can also mean 'boredom' depending on context. Casual.
暇な時に映画を見ます。
I watch movies in my free time.
Leisure time, spare time. More formal than 暇, often used in discussions about work-life balance.
余暇を楽しむ方法を探しています。
I'm looking for ways to enjoy my leisure time.
休み is the most general and casual term for a day off or break. 休暇 is more formal and often refers to longer, planned leave. 休憩 is specifically a short break during an activity.
明日は休みです。
Tomorrow is a day off.
夏休暇を取る予定です。
I plan to take summer vacation.
15分の休憩をください。
Please give me a 15-minute break.
The phrase 'time off' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Use the appropriate word based on context: 休み for casual days off, 休暇 for formal leave, 休憩 for short breaks, etc.
ここで一休みしよう。
Let's take a break here.
今日は病欠の連絡を入れた。
I called in sick today.
Paid leave or paid time off. Common in employment contexts.
有給休暇を申請しました。
I applied for paid leave.