Translation guide
In Japan, the concept of 'annual paid vacation' is most commonly expressed as 年次有給休暇 (nenji yūkyū kyūka), often shortened to 有給休暇 (yūkyū kyūka) or simply 有給 (yūkyū). While these terms are standard in workplace contexts, actual usage involves cultural nuances around requesting and taking leave.
The formal, legal, or standard term used in employment contracts, company policies, and official documents.
The full legal term for annual paid leave. Used in official documents, labor law, and formal company policies.
The rate of taking annual paid leave is increasing year by year.
The most common term in everyday workplace conversation. Short for 年次有給休暇.
I plan to take paid vacation next week.
Casual abbreviation used in conversation. Often used with 取る (to take).
Can I take a paid day off tomorrow?
Expressing the action of taking or using paid vacation days.
The most common way to say 'take paid leave'. 有給 can be replaced with 有給休暇 or 年次有給休暇 for more formality.
I'll take a week of paid leave in the summer and go on a trip.
A more formal way to say 'take paid leave', often used in written requests or official procedures.
Refers to using up remaining paid leave days, often before they expire or before leaving a job.
How to ask for or apply for annual paid vacation in a Japanese workplace.
Referring to the number of paid leave days or the right to take them.
Understanding the cultural context where taking full annual paid vacation is often discouraged or seen as burdensome to colleagues.
When requesting leave, it's common to use apologetic or softening expressions to show you're not inconveniencing others.
I'm sorry to ask, but could I possibly take a paid day off next Friday?
To ease concerns, you might mention that your work will be handled or that you'll make up for it.
The word 'annual' in 'annual paid vacation' is not directly translated as 毎年 (every year) or 年次 (annual) in casual speech. The standard term 有給休暇 already implies it is granted yearly. Using 年次 is only for formal/legal contexts.
有給 specifically means 'paid'. 休暇 (kyūka) means 'holiday' or 'leave' in general, which could be unpaid. Always use 有給 when you need to specify paid leave.
I have 20 days of annual paid vacation.
She's on annual paid vacation this week.
When taking paid leave, prior application is required.
I have to use up my paid leave before resigning.
I forgot to apply for tomorrow's paid leave.
The right to paid leave is guaranteed to workers.
While I'm on paid leave, I'll hand over my work to other team members.