Translation guide
In Japanese workplaces, the concept of annual paid leave is well-established but expressed through specific legal and everyday terms. The most common and natural way to refer to it is 年次有給休暇, often shortened to 有給休暇 or simply 有給 in casual conversation.
The standard term for annual paid holidays as a legal right or company benefit.
This is the full legal term used in labor law and official documents. It literally means 'annual paid leave'. It's understood by all workers but can sound formal in everyday speech.
年次有給休暇は労働者の権利です。
Annual paid leave is a worker's right.
The most casual and common abbreviation used in daily conversation among colleagues. It's perfectly acceptable in most workplace settings.
Expressing the act of using one's annual paid leave for a specific day or period.
The most natural way to say 'take a paid day off'. The verb 取る means 'to take' in this context. It can be used for a single day or multiple days.
明日、有給を取ります。
I'm taking a paid day off tomorrow.
有給を取って旅行に行く。
I'll take paid leave and go on a trip.
A more formal way to say 'take paid leave', often used in written requests or official procedures. 取得する is a formal verb meaning 'acquire/obtain'.
有給休暇を取得する際は、事前に申請してください。
When taking paid leave, please apply in advance.
An abbreviation of 年次有給休暇, sometimes used in internal company jargon. It's less common than 有給 but may appear in some workplaces.
今月、年休を2日取るつもりだ。
I plan to take two days of annual leave this month.
Referring to the number of paid leave days one has or has left.
Use this pattern to state how many paid leave days you have. 残っている means 'remaining'.
有給がまだ10日残っています。
I still have 10 days of paid leave left.
今年の有給はあと5日です。
I have 5 days of paid leave left this year.
A more formal noun phrase meaning 'remaining number of paid leave days'. Often seen on pay slips or HR systems.
有給休暇の残日数を確認してください。
Please check your remaining paid leave days.
Discussing the concept of annual paid leave as a company benefit or legal requirement.
Refers to the 'paid leave system' as a whole. Useful when talking about company policies or labor practices.
この会社は有給休暇制度が充実している。
This company has a good paid leave system.
A legal/HR term meaning 'granting of annual paid leave'. Used in labor law contexts.
年次有給休暇の付与は法律で義務付けられています。
Granting annual paid leave is required by law.
In casual workplace conversation, simply saying 有給 (ゆうきゅう) is enough. For example, 明日有給です (I'm off tomorrow on paid leave) is perfectly natural. You don't need to use the full legal term unless you're writing a formal document.
Avoid directly translating 'annual paid holiday' as 年間の有給休暇 or similar. The established terms are 年次有給休暇, 有給休暇, or simply 有給. Using non-standard phrases may cause confusion.
来週、有給を取ります。
I'm taking annual paid holiday next week.
有給はあと何日残っていますか？
How many days of annual paid holiday do you have left?
年次有給休暇は日本では法律で定められた権利です。
Annual paid leave is a legal right in Japan.
A slightly shorter and more common version of the full term. It's used in both formal and semi-formal contexts, such as company handbooks and everyday office talk.
有給休暇を取得するには申請が必要です。
You need to apply to take paid leave.
来週、有給を取る予定です。
I'm planning to take some paid leave next week.