Translation guide
An interlude is a short intervening period of time, a break, or a pause between events. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on whether you mean a scheduled break during an event, a gap in conversation, a musical interlude, or a narrative digression.
A short rest or interval between parts of a performance, meeting, or activity.
General word for a break or rest period. Commonly used for intermissions in meetings, classes, or work.
Let's take a 10-minute interlude in the middle of the meeting.
Specifically the intermission between acts of a play, opera, or similar performance. More theatrical than 休憩.
I bought a drink in the lobby during the interlude.
Loanword from English, used for intermission in concerts, movies, or theater. Sounds slightly formal or event-like.
I went to the restroom during the movie's interlude.
A short silence or break in talking.
Refers to a pause, timing, or interval in speech or action. Often used in phrases like 間が空く (a pause occurs).
There was a long interlude in the conversation.
Literally 'silence.' Can imply an awkward or heavy pause, not just a neutral break.
A short piece of music played between sections of a song or performance.
A short, separate story or scene inserted into a larger narrative.
A stretch of time between two events, often with a sense of waiting.
An interval or spare moment between activities. Very natural for 'in the interlude between tasks.'
I drink coffee in the interludes between work.
A gap or interval, often with a nuance of being caught between two things. More literary or abstract.
休憩 is the safest general word for a break. 幕間 is specifically for theater intermissions. インターミッション is a loanword used in formal event programs or announcements.
The interlude is 15 minutes.
Please use the restroom during the interlude.
インタールード is understood mainly in music contexts. Using it for a coffee break sounds unnatural. Stick to 休憩 or 合間 for everyday pauses.
気まずい沈黙が流れた。
An awkward interlude of silence passed.
The album's interlude changes the mood.
彼の人生の面白いエピソードを聞いた。
I heard an amusing interlude from his life.
I wander in the interlude between dreams and reality.