Translation guide
A short rest period during work or an event, typically for drinking tea or coffee. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific terms depending on context, or described naturally.
A short pause during work or daily activities to have tea, coffee, or a light snack.
General word for a break or rest. Can be used for a tea break, but doesn't specify tea. Often combined with お茶 (tea) to clarify.
ちょっと休憩しましょう。
Let's take a short break.
お茶の休憩をとりませんか。
Shall we take a tea break?
A common casual phrase meaning 'to have tea' or 'to take a tea break'. Implies stopping an activity to drink tea.
そろそろお茶にしよう。
Let's have a tea break soon.
3時になったらお茶にしましょう。
Let's have tea at 3 o'clock.
Loanword from English, used for a designated tea time, often in a more formal or Western context, like at a hotel or cafe.
ホテルでティータイムを楽しみました。
We enjoyed tea time at the hotel.
Literally 'to take a puff' (originally from smoking), but commonly used for taking a short break, often with tea or coffee. Casual.
ここで一服しましょう。
Let's take a break here.
A planned intermission in a conference, seminar, or formal gathering for refreshments.
Break time, often used in schedules. Can be specified as a tea break by adding context.
午後に15分の休憩時間があります。
There is a 15-minute break in the afternoon.
Literally 'tea time', used for a scheduled tea break, often in a traditional or relaxed setting.
会議の後にお茶の時間を設けています。
We have arranged a tea break after the meeting.
A break during a tea gathering or formal event where matcha and sweets are served.
In the context of a formal tea ceremony (茶事), this refers to the intermission between the first and second parts, when guests take a break. Highly specific.
中立の間に席を立ちました。
We left our seats during the intermission.
This phrase is very common in casual conversation among friends or colleagues. It implies a mutual decision to pause and relax. It can be used even if you're actually drinking coffee.
疲れたから、ちょっとお茶にしない？
I'm tired, so why don't we take a tea break?
休憩 is the standard word for any break. 一服 is casual and implies a short rest, often with a drink. お茶にする specifically suggests having tea/coffee and is very natural in daily speech.
Loanword for 'coffee break', common in business or seminar contexts. Often used even if tea is served.
コーヒーブレイクは10時半です。
The coffee break is at 10:30.