Translation guide
A legal holiday is a day designated by law as a non-working day, often with cultural or historical significance. In Japan, these are called 国民の祝日 (national holidays) and are established by the Public Holiday Law.
A public holiday established by Japanese law, when schools and many businesses are closed.
General term for a public holiday. Often used in compounds like 国民の祝日 (national holiday).
Today is a public holiday, so school is closed.
Specifically refers to national holidays as defined by the Public Holiday Law. More formal than 祝日 alone.
Some households display the national flag on national holidays.
Originally referred to Shinto festival days, but now often used interchangeably with 祝日 in general contexts. Can sound slightly traditional.
On festival days, I go to visit the shrine.
Means 'day off' or 'holiday' in a broad sense, including weekends and company holidays. Not specifically a legal holiday, but often used in contexts like '祝日・休日'.
This shop is open even on public holidays and days off.
A day designated by law as a holiday in countries other than Japan.
Direct translation of 'legal holiday', used for non-Japanese contexts. Often appears in legal or business documents.
Independence Day is a legal holiday in the United States.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a holiday established by law'. More explanatory than 法定休日.
A public holiday in the United Kingdom, traditionally when banks are closed.
Literal translation of 'bank holiday', used specifically for UK holidays. Not widely recognized in Japan.
In the UK, many shops are closed on bank holidays.
祝日 refers specifically to national holidays under the Public Holiday Law. 休日 is a broader term for any day off, including weekends and company holidays. When talking about Japanese legal holidays, 祝日 is the most accurate term.
The law that establishes national holidays is called 国民の祝日に関する法律, often abbreviated as 祝日法 (しゅくじつほう).
That day is a legal holiday, so government offices are closed.