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.
I will apply for paid vacation.
I have 10 days of paid vacation.
The common abbreviation of 有給休暇. Used in everyday conversation and informal writing.
I plan to take paid vacation next week.
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.
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.
Annual paid leave is a worker's right.
Other types of paid leave, such as sick leave or special leave.
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).
I applied for special paid leave for my marriage.