Translation guide
The English phrase "down time" can refer to a period of rest or relaxation, or to a period when a system or service is not functioning. This guide covers both meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Time when you are not working and can relax
Literally 'break time', this is the most common way to refer to a scheduled rest period during work or activity.
Lunch break is an hour of down time.
Means 'free time' and is used for personal time when you can do whatever you like.
Refers to idle or free time, often with a nuance of having nothing particular to do.
A loanword from English 'off time', used to mean time off from work or duties, often in casual contexts.
Literally 'breathing out', this means a short break or breather to relieve stress. It's more about taking a mental break than a long rest.
Period when a machine, computer, or service is not working
I have a lot of down time on weekends.
After work, I had some down time.
オフタイムは趣味を楽しんでいます。
I enjoy my hobbies during down time.
ちょっと息抜きにコーヒーを飲もう。
Let's take a little down time and have some coffee.
The direct loanword from English, commonly used in IT and business contexts to refer to system downtime.
The server down time lasted for an hour.
Means 'stoppage time' and is used for machines or systems that are out of operation.
Minimize machine down time.
Used for scheduled pauses or suspensions, such as in manufacturing or services.
System down time is late at night.