Translation guide
How to express 'take a rest' naturally in Japanese, from casual breaks to formal leave.
To pause briefly from an activity to relax or regain energy.
The most common and neutral way to say 'take a rest/break'. Suitable for work, study, or any activity.
Let's take a short break.
I'll take a 30-minute break.
Literally 'one rest', implies a short, informal break. Often used when you've been working and need a quick pause.
Let's take a short rest here.
General verb for 'rest' or 'take a break'. Can also mean 'to be absent' or 'to sleep', so context matters.
To rest because you are tired, unwell, or need to recover.
Implies resting to recover health or strength. More formal than 休む, often used for longer recuperation.
To take time off from work or school, either for a day or a longer period.
Standard way to say 'take a day off' or 'take leave'. Works for vacation, personal days, etc.
To rest during a game, match, or performance; often a scheduled break.
Same as 休憩する but slightly more formal. Used in sports or structured activities.
The phrase 'take a rest' is often expressed with a single verb (休む, 休憩する) rather than a literal translation like 休みを取る, which is more for days off. Choose based on context.
休憩 (kyuukei) is a short break; 休養 (kyuuyou) is rest for recovery; 安静 (ansei) is medical rest, often bed rest.
You should rest a bit.
The doctor told me to take a rest.
Means 'to rest well' or 'take a good rest'. Common when someone is sick or exhausted.
Please take a good rest today.
Medical/formal term for 'rest', often meaning bed rest or complete rest as prescribed.
Please rest for a while (doctor's orders).
I'm taking a day off tomorrow.
to take paid leave
Specifically 'take a vacation/holiday'. More formal than 休みを取る.
I plan to take a vacation during summer break.
Used when a school closes for a day or period (e.g., due to weather). Not for individual students.
School was closed due to the typhoon.
Take a rest at halftime.
Loanword for 'interval', used in sports training or music. Can mean a rest period between sets.
Take a one-minute rest interval.