Translation guide
The English word "recess" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a break in school, a break in proceedings, an alcove or niche, and a remote or secret place. It also touches on the anatomical sense.
A break period during the school day for children to play, eat, or rest.
The most common and natural way to refer to a break between classes or a recess period in school. It literally means 'rest time'.
I played outside during recess.
A general word for a break or rest, used in many contexts including school. It can refer to a short break during work or study.
I talked with friends during the break.
Refers to the end of the school day or dismissal, but can sometimes be used for a longer break. Less common for short recess periods.
After school, there are club activities.
A temporary pause or suspension in a meeting, court session, or formal event.
The standard word for a break or intermission in meetings, conferences, or work. It can be used for short breaks.
We took a 10-minute recess in the middle of the meeting.
Specifically used for a court recess or adjournment. It is a legal term.
Means interruption or suspension. It can be used for a recess in a broader sense, but implies a more abrupt or temporary halt.
A small space set back from a room, such as a nook or an alcove in a wall.
A traditional Japanese alcove in a room, often used to display art or flowers. It is a specific architectural feature.
A hanging scroll is displayed in the alcove.
A general word for a hollow, dent, or recessed area. It can describe a niche in a wall or a natural indentation.
A loanword from English, used in modern architecture or interior design. It is understood but less common than native terms.
A secluded, hidden, or inner part of something, often used figuratively.
Refers to a place deep inside or set back, often secluded. It can be used for physical locations or metaphorically.
There was a small hut in the recesses of the forest.
An adverb meaning 'deep inside' or 'in the depths'. Often used with places like forests, caves, or the mind.
We went deep into the recesses of the cave.
Means 'unexplored region' or 'hidden land'. It is more poetic and used for remote, mysterious places.
A small cavity or indentation in the body, such as a sinus or a recess in an organ.
A medical term for a recess or depression in an anatomical structure. Used in technical contexts.
This part is anatomically called a recess.
A specific term for a fossa or pit in anatomy, such as the glenoid fossa. Very technical.
The glenoid fossa is a recess in the bone.
休み時間 is specifically for scheduled breaks in a school or work timetable, while 休憩 is a more general term for any rest break. In a school context, 休み時間 is the most natural for 'recess'.
Recess is 15 minutes.
Let's take a short break.
The direct loanword リセス (risesu) is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to the Japanese terms above depending on context.
The judge declared a recess.
話し合いは一時中断された。
The discussion was temporarily recessed.
I made a small shelf in the recess of the wall.
リビングのアルコーブにソファを置いた。
I placed a sofa in the living room alcove.
That hidden recess is not on the map.