Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'paid vacation' is most commonly expressed with the term 有給休暇 (yūkyū kyūka), often shortened to 有休 (yūkyū) in casual conversation. There are also related terms for specific types of leave.
The standard term for paid vacation days provided by an employer.
The formal, full term for paid leave. Used in official contexts, company documents, and formal speech.
有給休暇を申請する。
I will apply for paid vacation.
有給休暇が10日間あります。
I have 10 days of paid vacation.
The common abbreviation of 有給休暇. Used in everyday conversation and informal writing.
来週、有休を取る予定です。
I plan to take paid vacation next week.
有休が余っている。
I have some paid vacation days left.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to take paid leave'. 有給 here is short for 有給休暇.
明日、有給を取ります。
I'm taking paid leave tomorrow.
Specifically referring to annual paid leave as a legal entitlement.
The legal term for annual paid leave. Used in labor law and formal HR contexts.
年次有給休暇は労働者の権利です。
Annual paid leave is a worker's right.
Other types of paid leave, such as sick leave or special leave.
Paid sick leave. Often just 病気休暇 (sick leave) is used, and whether it's paid depends on company policy.
有給の病気休暇を取得できますか？
Can I take paid sick leave?
Special paid leave, often for events like marriage, bereavement, or childbirth. Abbreviated as 特休 (とっきゅう).
結婚のため特別有給休暇を申請した。
I applied for special paid leave for my marriage.
有給 (yūkyū) is a common abbreviation in speech, but in formal writing or official documents, it's safer to use the full term 有給休暇 (yūkyū kyūka). 有休 (yūkyū) is even more casual and widely used in conversation.
The English word 'vacation' often implies a holiday trip, but Japanese 休暇 (kyūka) simply means 'time off work'. If you want to say you're going on a vacation trip, use 旅行 (ryokō) instead. For example: 有休を使って旅行に行く (I'll use my paid leave to go on a trip).