Translation guide
In Japanese workplaces, 'annual leave' is most commonly expressed as 年次有給休暇, often shortened to 年休 or 有給. The choice depends on formality and context. Note that taking leave is often phrased as 'getting' or 'using' the leave, and cultural norms around requesting leave are important.
The standard, formal term for paid annual leave as a legal entitlement.
The full legal term for annual paid leave. Used in official documents, company rules, and formal contexts.
We encourage employees to take their annual leave.
Common abbreviation of 年次有給休暇. Widely used in workplace conversation and internal documents.
I plan to take annual leave next month.
Short for 有給休暇 (paid leave). Often used in casual conversation, but can refer to any paid leave, not just annual leave. Context usually makes it clear.
Can I use a paid day off tomorrow?
Paid leave in general. Can include annual leave, sick leave, etc. Often used interchangeably with 年次有給休暇 in less formal settings.
I have 10 days of paid leave left.
How to say you are taking or using your annual leave.
The most natural way to say 'take annual leave'. 取る (とる) means 'to take'.
I'll take annual leave in the summer and go on a trip.
Literally 'use paid leave'. Very common in casual speech.
Means 'to use up annual leave'. Often used when encouraging employees to take all their leave before it expires.
How to ask for annual leave in a workplace setting.
Talking about how many days of annual leave you have left.
The remaining number of annual leave days. 残り (のこり) means 'remaining', 日数 (にっすう) means 'number of days'.
Please check your remaining annual leave days.
Casual way to say 'I have X days of paid leave left'.
In Japan, taking annual leave can sometimes be seen as causing inconvenience to colleagues. It's common to express gratitude or apology when taking leave, e.g., ご迷惑をおかけしますが (Sorry for the inconvenience). However, attitudes are changing, and many companies now encourage taking leave.
年休 specifically means annual leave, while 有給 is broader and can include other types of paid leave (e.g., sick leave, special leave). In many workplaces, they are used interchangeably because annual leave is the most common type of paid leave.
10 days of annual leave are granted per year.
Paid leave includes annual leave and sick leave.
I'm on annual leave next week.
How many annual leave days do you have?
I'll use a paid day off and take tomorrow off.
Please use up your annual leave by the end of the fiscal year.
I got approval for annual leave from my boss.
I still have 5 days of paid leave left.