Translation guide
In Japanese, the way you express 'day off' depends on whether it's a regular day off (like a weekend or scheduled day off from work), a day you take off by choice (like a vacation day or personal day), or a public holiday. The most common and versatile word is 休み (yasumi).
The speaker wants to refer to a day when they are normally not working or attending school, such as a weekend, a scheduled day off, or a break.
The most common and general word for a day off, break, or holiday. It can refer to a day off from work, school, or any regular activity. It is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
明日は休みです。
Tomorrow is my day off.
今日は休みなので、家でゆっくりします。
Since today is my day off, I'll relax at home.
A slightly more formal word for a day off or holiday. Often used in written contexts or to refer to public holidays and scheduled days off.
Specifically refers to a regular closing day for a business, such as a shop or restaurant. Not used for personal days off.
The speaker wants to express that they are taking a day off from work or school by their own decision, often using paid leave or requesting time off.
The most natural way to say 'take a day off'. It implies actively requesting or securing time off. Can be used for any length of time off.
来週の金曜日、休みを取ります。
I'm taking next Friday off.
明日、休みを取ってもいいですか？
Can I take tomorrow off?
Short for 有給休暇 (paid leave). Commonly used in workplace contexts to refer to taking a paid day off.
A more formal way to say 'take a day off' or 'take leave'. Often used for longer periods or in official contexts.
夏休みに一週間の休暇を取ります。
I'm taking a week off during summer vacation.
A compensatory day off, taken in lieu of working on a holiday or weekend.
The speaker wants to refer to a day when most people are off work or school due to a nationally recognized holiday.
The standard word for a national or public holiday. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
来週の月曜日は祝日です。
Next Monday is a public holiday.
Also commonly used to refer to public holidays in casual conversation, though 祝日 is more precise.
The speaker wants to say they are taking a day off because they are sick.
Short for 病気欠勤 (sick leave). Commonly used in workplace or school settings to indicate absence due to illness.
今日は病欠です。
I'm off sick today.
The verb 'to rest' or 'to be absent'. Often used with a reason to indicate taking a sick day.
休み (yasumi) is the most general and common word for any kind of day off, break, or rest. 休日 (kyūjitsu) is more formal and often used in writing or for scheduled days off. 祝日 (shukujitsu) specifically means a public or national holiday. In casual conversation, 休み can cover all these meanings, but in formal contexts, it's better to distinguish them.
The literal translation '日オフ' or 'オフの日' is not used in Japanese. Always use 休み or a related term depending on the context.
休日は家族と過ごします。
I spend my days off with my family.
この店の定休日は火曜日です。
This store's regular day off is Tuesday.
明日、有給を取ります。
I'm taking a paid day off tomorrow.
日曜日に出勤したので、月曜日に代休を取ります。
Since I worked on Sunday, I'll take a compensatory day off on Monday.
明日は何の休み？
What's the holiday tomorrow?
I'm taking the day off because of a cold.