Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'vacation' is expressed differently depending on whether you mean time off from work/school, a trip for leisure, or a long holiday period. The most common and versatile word is 休み (yasumi), which covers breaks, days off, and vacations. For travel-focused vacations, 旅行 (ryokō) is used. There are also specific terms for seasonal holidays like Golden Week or summer vacation.
Expressing a break, day off, or period of rest from regular duties.
The most common and general word for a break, day off, or vacation from work or school. Can be used for short breaks, days off, or longer vacations.
明日は休みです。
Tomorrow is a day off.
夏休みは来月からです。
Summer vacation starts next month.
A more formal term for a leave of absence or holiday from work. Often used in business contexts or for specific types of leave (e.g., paid leave, maternity leave).
有給休暇を取ります。
I will take paid vacation.
彼は一週間の休暇を申請した。
He applied for a week's vacation.
Loanword from French 'vacances', implying a leisurely, often luxurious holiday, typically abroad. Used in travel magazines or to sound stylish.
今年の夏は南フランスでバカンスを楽しみます。
This summer I'll enjoy a vacation in the South of France.
Referring to traveling somewhere for pleasure, not just time off.
The standard word for a trip or travel, often used for vacations involving going somewhere. Can be combined with destinations or types of travel.
家族で北海道に旅行に行きます。
I'm going on a trip to Hokkaido with my family.
旅行の計画を立てるのが好きです。
I like planning vacations.
Common phrase meaning 'to go on a trip/vacation'. Use this when you want to say you are going on a vacation.
来月、海外旅行に行く予定です。
I plan to go on an overseas vacation next month.
A more poetic or literary word for journey or travel. Often used in titles, songs, or to evoke a sense of adventure rather than a simple vacation.
Referring to fixed vacation periods like summer vacation, winter break, or Golden Week.
Summer vacation (typically for students, but also used for company summer breaks).
夏休みはいつからですか？
When does summer vacation start?
Winter vacation/break, usually around New Year's.
Spring break (usually between school years in March-April).
Obon holiday in mid-August, when many people return to their hometowns. Often a de facto summer vacation period for companies.
お盆休みに帰省します。
I'm going back to my hometown for the Obon holidays.
How to say you are taking or going on a vacation.
To take a day off or vacation. The most common way to say you are taking time off from work.
来週、休みを取ります。
I'm taking a vacation next week.
More formal version of 'take a vacation', used in business settings.
有給休暇を取ってもいいですか？
May I take paid vacation?
To go on a trip/vacation. Emphasizes the travel aspect.
今年の夏は旅行に行かない。
I'm not going on vacation this summer.
休み (yasumi) is the everyday word for any break or day off. 休暇 (kyūka) is formal and used for official leave from work. バカンス (bakansu) is a stylish loanword for a luxurious holiday, often abroad.
The English loanword バケーション (bakēshon) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in some contexts like 'ワーケーション' (workation), but for general use, stick to 休み or 旅行.
Life is a journey.
冬休みにスキーに行きます。
I'm going skiing during winter vacation.
春休みは短いです。
Spring break is short.
Golden Week, a series of national holidays in late April to early May. Often a popular vacation period.
ゴールデンウィークはどこか行きますか？
Are you going anywhere during Golden Week?