Translation guide
How to talk about taking a break from work or school in Japanese, including vacation, personal leave, and short breaks.
The speaker wants to refer to a period of vacation or holiday, typically planned and longer than a day.
General term for leave or vacation from work or school. Often used in formal contexts or with modifiers like 夏休暇 (summer vacation).
I'm taking a week off next week.
Casual, everyday word for a break, holiday, or day off. Can refer to school breaks, days off work, or rest.
Loanword from English, used for vacation trips, especially leisure travel. Sounds casual and modern.
Refers to a public holiday or a scheduled day off. More formal than 休み.
The speaker wants to talk about a brief rest or pause from work, like a coffee break or lunch break.
The speaker needs to refer to time off for personal reasons, illness, or family matters.
The speaker wants to express having free time away from obligations, not necessarily a formal leave.
Free time, leisure. Can also mean 'boredom' depending on context. Casual.
明日は休みです。
Tomorrow is my day off.
I enjoyed a vacation in Hawaii in the summer.
今日は国民の休日です。
Today is a national holiday.
A short break or rest during work or activity. Commonly used for coffee breaks, lunch breaks, etc.
Let's take a short break.
A brief rest, often used casually. Implies a short pause to relax.
Let's take a break here.
Leave of absence from work, often for extended periods due to illness, childcare, or personal reasons. Formal.
She is on leave for maternity leave.
Absence due to illness. Often used in workplace contexts.
I called in sick today.
Paid leave or paid time off. Common in employment contexts.
I applied for paid leave.
暇な時に映画を見ます。
I watch movies in my free time.
Leisure time, spare time. More formal than 暇, often used in discussions about work-life balance.
I'm looking for ways to enjoy my leisure time.
I plan to take summer vacation.
Please give me a 15-minute break.
The phrase 'time off' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Use the appropriate word based on context: 休み for casual days off, 休暇 for formal leave, 休憩 for short breaks, etc.