Translation guide
In Japanese, 'public holiday' is most commonly expressed as 祝日 (shukujitsu) or 祭日 (saijitsu), though 祝日 is the standard modern term. The phrase 国民の祝日 (kokumin no shukujitsu) specifically refers to national holidays. Note that 休日 (kyūjitsu) means 'day off' or 'holiday' in general, not necessarily a public holiday.
Referring to a government-designated holiday when schools and many businesses are closed.
The standard word for a public holiday. Used in official contexts and everyday speech.
Tomorrow is a public holiday, so school is closed.
Many shops close on public holidays.
Literally 'national holiday'. Used to emphasize the official, nationwide status. Often seen in legal or formal contexts.
Act on National Holidays
Traditionally referred to Shinto festival days. Now often used interchangeably with 祝日, but can sound slightly old-fashioned or religious. In modern usage, 祝日 is preferred.
On festival days, there are festivals at the shrine.
Referring to a day when one does not work, which may or may not be a public holiday.
General term for a day off or holiday. Can include weekends, company holidays, and personal leave. Not limited to public holidays.
This Friday is a day off.
Casual term for a break, holiday, or day off. Very common in spoken Japanese.
祝日 (shukujitsu) specifically means a public holiday established by law. 休日 (kyūjitsu) is a broader term for any non-working day, including weekends and company holidays. If you want to say 'public holiday', use 祝日.
English 'holiday' can mean a vacation trip. In Japanese, that is 休暇 (kyūka) or バカンス (bakansu). 祝日 does not mean vacation.
I often go out with my family on days off.
明日は休み？
Is tomorrow a day off?