In 15 Seconds
- Taking a full day off every single day.
- Used for retirement, long vacations, or being lazy.
- Can mean 'resting' or 'being absent' depending on context.
Meaning
This phrase means taking a break or having a day off every single day. It describes a lifestyle of constant rest, whether you're retired, on a long vacation, or just being a bit of a couch potato.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a retired grandfather
祖父は退職したので、今は毎日休んでいます。
My grandfather retired, so now he rests every day.
Complaining to a friend about work
仕事が大変すぎて、毎日休みたいよ。
Work is so hard, I want to rest every day.
Explaining a long sick leave to a colleague
体調が悪くて、先週は毎日休みました。
I wasn't feeling well, so I rested every day last week.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used with a sense of 'akogare' (yearning) because of the intense work culture. Saying you want to rest every day is a common way to bond over shared exhaustion. In 'Black Companies', the idea of '{毎日休|まいにちやす}む' is a literal impossibility, leading to the phrase being used in dark humor or satire. Younger Japanese people use this phrase to describe the 'NEET' lifestyle, sometimes with pride in avoiding the 'rat race'. There is a specific term '{毎日|まいにち}が{日曜日|にちようび}' (Every day is Sunday) which is a more poetic synonym for '{毎日休|まいにちやす}む' for retirees.
Use with ~tai
If you want to sound like a native complaining about work, always use '{毎日休|まいにちやす}みたい' (I want to rest every day).
Context Matters
Be careful using this with your boss. It can sound like you are planning to quit or are very unmotivated.
In 15 Seconds
- Taking a full day off every single day.
- Used for retirement, long vacations, or being lazy.
- Can mean 'resting' or 'being absent' depending on context.
What It Means
毎日休む is a straightforward way to say you aren't working or studying at all. It combines 毎日 (every day) with the verb 休む (to rest/take a break). It sounds like a dream to some and a disaster to others. In a literal sense, it means your calendar is completely blank. You aren't just taking a nap; you're taking the whole day off, repeatedly.
How To Use It
You use this phrase like any other verb-based sentence. If you want to be polite, change it to 毎日休みます. If you are talking about a current state, use 毎日休んでいます. It’s very flexible! You can use it to describe your summer break or your cat's busy schedule of doing nothing. Just remember that 休む can also mean "to be absent," so context is key.
When To Use It
This is perfect for talking about retirement or a long-term leave of absence. If you win the lottery, this is exactly what you tell your boss. It’s also great for venting to friends when you are burnt out. You might say, "I want to rest every day!" to express exhaustion. It works well in casual chats about your ideal lifestyle.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you just mean you take a short nap after work. That’s 休憩する (to take a break). Also, be careful using this with your boss if you actually mean you're sick. If you say 毎日休む without a reason, it sounds like you're quitting or skipping out on duties. In Japan's hardworking culture, saying this too proudly might get you some side-eye!
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for its intense work culture and the concept of salaryman life. Because of this, the idea of 毎日休む is often seen as the ultimate luxury or a sign of retirement. There is even a term, 定年退職 (teinen taishoku), for retiring at the age limit. For many, 毎日休む is the reward after 40 years of service. It’s the "Golden Years" captured in a simple phrase.
Common Variations
You will often hear 毎日休み (Every day is a holiday). This is a noun version that feels a bit more like a state of being. Another common one is 毎日休みたい (I want to rest every day). This is the universal cry of the tired student or office worker. If someone is skipping school, you might hear 毎日学校を休む (skipping school every day).
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but the context determines if it's positive (vacation) or negative (laziness). Use the 'te-iru' form (`休んでいる`) to describe a current ongoing state of resting.
Use with ~tai
If you want to sound like a native complaining about work, always use '{毎日休|まいにちやす}みたい' (I want to rest every day).
Context Matters
Be careful using this with your boss. It can sound like you are planning to quit or are very unmotivated.
The 'NEET' nuance
In modern slang, '{毎日休|まいにちやす}んでいる' can imply someone is unemployed and not looking for work.
Examples
6祖父は退職したので、今は毎日休んでいます。
My grandfather retired, so now he rests every day.
Using the 'te-iru' form shows a continuous state of retirement.
仕事が大変すぎて、毎日休みたいよ。
Work is so hard, I want to rest every day.
Adding 'tai' expresses a strong desire to escape work.
体調が悪くて、先週は毎日休みました。
I wasn't feeling well, so I rested every day last week.
In this context, it clearly means taking sick days.
夏休みだから、毎日休んでるよ！最高！
It's summer break, so I'm resting every day! It's the best!
Very casual and enthusiastic use of the phrase.
うちの猫はいいな。毎日休んでる。
My cat has it good. He rests every day.
A common humorous observation about pets.
彼は最近、学校を毎日休んでいます。
He has been absent from school every day lately.
Here, 'yasumu' specifically means 'to be absent' from an institution.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '{休|やす}む'.
{宝|たから}くじが{当|あ}たったら、{毎日|まいにち}（ ）たいです。
The correct form is '{休|やす}み' to create '{休|やす}みたい' (want to rest). Wait, actually, the grammar is Verb stem + tai. So {休|やす}み + たい.
Which sentence is the most natural for a student who is skipping school every day?
Choose the best option:
The te-iru form describes a continuous state or habit, which is perfect for describing someone skipping school.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {仕事|しごと}は{忙|いそが}しいですか？ B: いいえ、{最近|さいきん}は（ ）。
Depending on the nuance, all can be used, but '{毎日休|まいにちやす}んでいます' is the most natural for a current state.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{宝|たから}くじが{当|あ}たったら、{毎日|まいにち}（ ）たいです。
The correct form is '{休|やす}み' to create '{休|やす}みたい' (want to rest). Wait, actually, the grammar is Verb stem + tai. So {休|やす}み + たい.
Choose the best option:
The te-iru form describes a continuous state or habit, which is perfect for describing someone skipping school.
A: {仕事|しごと}は{忙|いそが}しいですか？ B: いいえ、{最近|さいきん}は（ ）。
Depending on the nuance, all can be used, but '{毎日休|まいにちやす}んでいます' is the most natural for a current state.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot exactly. '{毎日休|まいにちやす}む' is more general. 'Taking a vacation' is usually '{休暇|きゅうか}を{取|と}る'.
No, '{毎日|まいにち}' means 'every day'. For a weekend, just say '{週末休|しゅうまつやす}む'.
Use the negative form: '{毎日休|まいにちやす}まない' or politely '{毎日休|まいにちやす}みません'.
Related Phrases
{毎日休|まいにちやす}み
similarEvery day is a holiday (noun form)
{怠|なま}ける
similarTo be lazy / to neglect duties
{休暇|きゅうか}を{取|と}る
specialized formTo take a vacation
{休|やす}まずに
contrastWithout resting
