vacation
A vacation is a period of time when you stop working or going to school to relax or travel.
Explanation at your level:
A vacation is a time when you do not go to work or school. You can stay home or visit a new place. It is a happy time to rest. You can say, 'I am on vacation.' It is fun!
When you have a vacation, you are free from your normal duties. Many people go to the beach or the mountains. You can plan a vacation for one week or even a whole month. It is a great way to relax with your family and friends.
A vacation is a period of leisure time taken away from work or studies. It is common to book a hotel or a flight for your vacation. Many people look forward to their annual vacation to escape the stress of daily life. Remember that in British English, people often say 'holiday' instead of 'vacation.'
The term vacation implies a deliberate break from one's professional or academic obligations. It is often used to describe a planned trip or a period of inactivity intended for recuperation. Whether you are 'taking a vacation' or 'on vacation,' the phrase carries a positive connotation of freedom and exploration.
Beyond the simple act of traveling, a vacation represents a necessary psychological detachment from the demands of modern life. It allows for a change of scenery that can foster creativity and perspective. In professional contexts, 'vacation time' is a critical component of employee benefits, highlighting the importance of work-life balance in a competitive global economy.
Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'emptying' or 'vacating' one's obligations, the vacation has evolved into a cultural institution. It serves as a societal mechanism for preventing burnout and maintaining long-term productivity. In literary and philosophical contexts, the concept of the vacation can also symbolize a temporary suspension of reality, a liminal space where the traveler is freed from the constraints of their usual identity and social expectations.
30秒でわかる単語
- Vacation is a break from work or school.
- It is often used with 'on' or 'take'.
- It is a countable noun.
- It comes from the Latin word for 'empty'.
When you hear the word vacation, you probably think of sunny beaches or exciting city trips! At its core, a vacation is simply a planned break from your usual routine. Whether you are a student taking a break from homework or an adult stepping away from the office, it is that golden time where you are officially 'off the clock.'
It is important to remember that a vacation doesn't always mean traveling to a far-away country. You can have a staycation, where you relax in your own city. The main goal is always the same: to disconnect from your daily stressors and focus on rest, fun, and personal enjoyment.
The word vacation has a very elegant history. It comes from the Latin word vacatio, which means 'freedom' or 'exemption.' Back in ancient Rome, it referred to being released from a duty or a service. It is closely related to the word vacant, which means empty—think of it as leaving your desk 'empty' for a while!
Over centuries, the word evolved through Old French before entering English. Originally, it was used to describe legal or academic breaks. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries, with the rise of the middle class and labor laws, that 'vacation' became the common term for the leisure trips we know and love today.
In daily life, you will hear vacation used constantly. You might say, 'I am going on vacation' or 'I am planning my vacation.' It is a very versatile noun. In the United States, 'vacation' is the standard term, whereas in the UK, people more frequently use the word 'holiday.'
When talking about work, you might hear people refer to their paid time off (PTO), but 'vacation' is the word you use when describing the actual experience. It is casual, friendly, and universally understood in almost every English-speaking workplace or social circle.
Idioms make language colorful! Here are some common ways to talk about breaks:
- Busman's holiday: Taking a vacation but doing the same work you usually do.
- Take a breather: To take a short rest during a busy time.
- Get away from it all: To escape your daily stress by going on a trip.
- Out of office: The status you set on your email when you are on vacation.
- Hit the road: To start a journey or leave for your vacation.
Grammatically, vacation is a countable noun. You can have 'a vacation' or 'two vacations.' It follows standard English rules for articles. In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the second syllable: veɪ-KAY-shun.
Rhyming words include station, relation, and creation. When speaking, ensure you enunciate the 'shun' sound at the end clearly. It is a very rhythmic word that flows well in conversation, making it easy for English learners to master quickly.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'vacuum'—both imply emptiness!
Pronunciation Guide
The 'v' is soft, and the stress is clearly on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, but often with a slightly stronger 'ay' sound in the first syllable.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable
- Pronouncing the 'tion' as 'tee-on'
- Forgetting the soft 'v' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Commonly used
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Prepositions with states
on vacation
Countable nouns
two vacations
Articles with nouns
a vacation
Examples by Level
I am on vacation.
I / am / on / vacation
Use 'on' for being in the state of vacation.
My vacation is fun.
My / vacation / is / fun
Simple subject-verb agreement.
We love vacation.
We / love / vacation
General noun usage.
Vacation is great.
Vacation / is / great
Starting a sentence with a noun.
I want a vacation.
I / want / a / vacation
Using the indefinite article.
Is it vacation?
Is / it / vacation
Asking a question.
Vacation starts today.
Vacation / starts / today
Time expression.
I need a vacation.
I / need / a / vacation
Expressing a desire.
I am planning my summer vacation.
We went on vacation to Spain.
Do you like taking a vacation in winter?
My boss is on vacation this week.
We had a wonderful vacation last year.
Vacation time is very important.
I need a vacation from my computer.
Where are you going for your vacation?
I am taking a two-week vacation in July.
They are currently on vacation in the mountains.
Have you booked your vacation yet?
He spent his vacation reading books by the sea.
It is hard to get a vacation during the busy season.
We are looking forward to our upcoming vacation.
She took a short vacation to recharge her batteries.
Vacation days are part of my employment contract.
After months of intense work, he finally took a well-deserved vacation.
The company offers three weeks of paid vacation per year.
We decided to extend our vacation by a few extra days.
A tropical vacation is exactly what I need right now.
She spent her entire vacation exploring the local culture.
Taking a vacation is essential for maintaining mental health.
He is currently on vacation and will reply to your email later.
They opted for a quiet vacation in the countryside.
The employee requested a vacation to attend to personal matters.
A sabbatical is essentially an extended, academic version of a vacation.
The concept of a vacation has changed significantly in the digital age.
He treated his weekend trip as a mini-vacation from the city.
The resort is fully booked during the peak vacation season.
She views her annual vacation as a vital investment in her well-being.
The sudden vacation caught the rest of the team by surprise.
His vacation was interrupted by an urgent phone call from the office.
The relentless pursuit of productivity often leaves little room for a true vacation.
He sought a vacation from the trivialities of his daily existence.
The vacation served as a much-needed respite from the pressures of the project.
Her vacation was a deliberate act of defiance against her workload.
The island provided the perfect backdrop for a secluded vacation.
One might argue that the modern vacation is a luxury rather than a right.
He returned from his vacation with a renewed sense of purpose.
The vacation was a fleeting escape from the harshness of reality.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"busman's holiday"
A holiday where you do the same thing you do at work.
The chef cooked for his family on his vacation; it was a busman's holiday.
idiomatic"take a breather"
To stop and rest for a moment.
Let's take a breather before we continue.
casual"get away from it all"
To go somewhere quiet to escape stress.
I just want to go away from it all for a week.
neutral"out of office"
Not available at work.
I'm out of office until Monday.
professional"hit the road"
To start a trip.
We need to hit the road early for our vacation.
casual"on the house"
Free of charge (sometimes happens on vacation).
The hotel gave us a drink on the house.
casualEasily Confused
Same meaning, different region.
Holiday is UK, Vacation is US.
I'm on holiday (UK) vs I'm on vacation (US).
Both mean time off.
Leave is more formal/HR-related.
I requested annual leave.
Both imply rest.
Break is shorter/more casual.
I need a coffee break.
Both are long breaks.
Sabbatical is for work/study projects.
He took a sabbatical to write a book.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + go on + vacation
They go on vacation every year.
Subject + take + a + vacation
I will take a vacation soon.
Subject + be + on + vacation
She is on vacation right now.
Subject + spend + vacation + in/at
We spent our vacation in Italy.
Subject + book + a + vacation
We booked a vacation online.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
We usually don't use the article 'a' when saying 'on vacation'.
The correct preposition is 'on'.
Use the adjective form for better flow.
Vacation is usually singular when referring to the period.
Use 'on' for states of being.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine your suitcase at the door.
Native Speakers
Use 'on vacation' to sound natural.
Cultural Insight
Know the US vs UK difference.
Grammar Shortcut
Don't use 'a' with 'on vacation'.
Say It Right
Stress the second syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid 'in vacation'.
Did You Know?
It comes from 'empty'.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence today.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Vacation = V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N (Very Awesome Calm And Time In Our Nature).
Visual Association
A suitcase sitting by a sunny beach.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about your dream vacation.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: Freedom or exemption from a duty.
文化的な背景
None, but be aware of regional differences between US and UK English.
In the US, 'vacation' is universal. In the UK, 'holiday' is preferred.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Requesting vacation
- Vacation days
- Out of office
Travel
- Vacation spot
- Vacation package
- Planning a vacation
School
- Summer vacation
- Winter break
- Vacation schedule
Family
- Family vacation
- Vacation photos
- Vacation time
Conversation Starters
"Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?"
"Do you prefer a relaxing or an active vacation?"
"How many vacation days do you get per year?"
"What is the best vacation you have ever had?"
"If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would you go?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your perfect vacation.
What do you like to do when you are on vacation?
Write about a vacation you took as a child.
Why is it important for people to take vacations?
よくある質問
8 問Yes, you can have one vacation or many vacations.
Yes, 'I am vacationing in Florida' is correct.
It is just a regional preference for the same concept.
A vacation spent at home or in your local area.
It is neutral and used in all settings.
V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.
Yes, in most contexts.
Yes, students often have summer vacation.
自分をテスト
I am going ___ vacation.
The correct preposition is 'on'.
What is a vacation?
It is a break from work.
In the UK, people often say 'holiday' instead of 'vacation'.
This is a regional difference.
Word
意味
These are common terms related to vacationing.
Subject + verb + object.
スコア： /5
Summary
A vacation is a necessary break that helps you recharge and return to your responsibilities feeling refreshed.
- Vacation is a break from work or school.
- It is often used with 'on' or 'take'.
- It is a countable noun.
- It comes from the Latin word for 'empty'.
Memory Palace
Imagine your suitcase at the door.
Native Speakers
Use 'on vacation' to sound natural.
Cultural Insight
Know the US vs UK difference.
Grammar Shortcut
Don't use 'a' with 'on vacation'.
例文
We're going to Spain for our summer vacation.
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