In 15 Seconds
- Means taking a recurring break or day off every month.
- Combines 'every month' with the verb 'to rest'.
- Reflects modern Japanese efforts toward better work-life balance.
Meaning
This phrase describes the habit or plan of taking a break or a day off once every month. It is a simple way to talk about your regular self-care or scheduling routine.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining your schedule to a new coworker
私は毎月、第ニ金曜日に休みます。
I take the second Friday off every month.
Texting a friend about your new health goal
健康のために、これからは毎月休むよ！
For my health, I'm going to rest every month from now on!
A boss announcing a new company policy
社員は全員、毎月少なくとも一日は休んでください。
All employees, please take at least one day off every month.
Cultural Background
The 'Premium Friday' campaign was an attempt by the Japanese government to encourage leaving work early on the last Friday of every month. While it didn't fully succeed, it popularized the idea of monthly rest. Taking a day off every month is often called 'Yūkyū Shōko' (consuming paid leave). It is now seen as a sign of a 'White Company' (a good place to work) vs. a 'Black Company'. The term 'Self-care' (セルフケア) is often used alongside this phrase in magazines to promote mental health awareness among young professionals. In Japanese schools, 'Maigetsu yasumu' might be viewed with concern unless there is a medical reason, as perfect attendance (Kaikin) is highly valued.
Frequency vs Duration
Always check if you mean 'every month' (maigetsu) or 'for one month' (ikkagetsu).
Particle Trap
Don't use 'ni' after 'maigetsu' in this phrase. It's a common mistake for English speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Means taking a recurring break or day off every month.
- Combines 'every month' with the verb 'to rest'.
- Reflects modern Japanese efforts toward better work-life balance.
What It Means
毎月休む is a straightforward way to say you take time off every month. It combines 毎月 (every month) with the verb 休む (to rest or take a day off). It implies a recurring pattern. You aren't just resting once; you're making it a monthly habit. It’s like a subscription to relaxation!
How To Use It
You can use this phrase to describe your work schedule or personal habits. In Japanese, verbs come at the end. So, you say the time first, then the action. If you want to be polite, change 休む to 休みます. It’s very flexible. You can use it with friends or your boss. Just remember to add the right polite endings for work.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing your work-life balance. It’s great for explaining a recurring doctor's appointment. You might use it when talking about a monthly hobby trip. It’s perfect for setting boundaries with your team. Use it when a friend asks why you're free every third Friday. It sounds organized and intentional.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you mean a one-time vacation. For a long trip, use 旅行 (trip) or 休暇 (long leave). Avoid using it if you are actually quitting your job. 休む is temporary, not permanent. Also, don't use it for sleeping at night. That’s 寝る. This phrase is about taking a break from obligations.
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for its intense work culture. However, things are changing lately. The government now promotes "Work-Style Reform." Taking regular breaks is becoming more socially acceptable. 毎月休む represents this modern shift toward health. It’s a small rebellion against the old "salaryman" lifestyle. Even taking one day off is a big win for many.
Common Variations
You will often hear 毎月休みを取る (taking a break every month). Another common one is 毎月第3日曜日は休みます (I rest every third Sunday). If you are talking about a shop, you say 毎月月曜日は定休日です (Every Monday is a regular holiday). Adding specific dates makes you sound very professional and clear.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and very safe to use. To sound more natural in a professional setting, specify which day you are resting (e.g., 'the third Monday').
Frequency vs Duration
Always check if you mean 'every month' (maigetsu) or 'for one month' (ikkagetsu).
Particle Trap
Don't use 'ni' after 'maigetsu' in this phrase. It's a common mistake for English speakers.
Politeness Matters
Use '{休|やす}ませていただきます' if you are asking your boss for the day off.
The 'Meiwaku' Factor
When saying you rest every month, it's polite to add that you've finished your work first.
Examples
6私は毎月、第ニ金曜日に休みます。
I take the second Friday off every month.
Using a specific day makes the schedule very clear.
健康のために、これからは毎月休むよ！
For my health, I'm going to rest every month from now on!
The particle 'yo' adds a friendly, determined tone.
社員は全員、毎月少なくとも一日は休んでください。
All employees, please take at least one day off every month.
This uses the polite request form 'kudasai'.
毎月休むどころか、毎日休みたいよ。
Far from resting every month, I want to rest every day.
The phrase 'dokoro ka' emphasizes the contrast for humor.
たまには一人で毎月休む時間が欲しいな。
I wish I had time to rest alone every month once in a while.
Expresses a deep desire for personal time.
毎月休むことは可能ですか？
Is it possible to take a break every month?
Used here to ask about pausing a recurring service.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
{健康|けんこう}のために、{毎月|まいつき} [ ] ことにしています。
Before 'koto ni shite iru', we use the dictionary form of the verb.
Which sentence is the most natural?
Choose the correct way to say 'I rest every month.'
'Maigetsu' is an adverbial noun and does not need a particle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {最近|さいきん}、{忙|いそが}しそうですね。 B: はい、だから [ ]。
'Tsumori desu' expresses an intention, which fits the context of being busy and needing rest.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say '{毎月|まいつき}{休|やす}むのは{大切|たいせつ}ですよ'?
This is a piece of advice about the importance of regular rest.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{健康|けんこう}のために、{毎月|まいつき} [ ] ことにしています。
Before 'koto ni shite iru', we use the dictionary form of the verb.
Choose the correct way to say 'I rest every month.'
'Maigetsu' is an adverbial noun and does not need a particle.
A: {最近|さいきん}、{忙|いそが}しそうですね。 B: はい、だから [ ]。
'Tsumori desu' expresses an intention, which fits the context of being busy and needing rest.
When would you say '{毎月|まいつき}{休|やす}むのは{大切|たいせつ}ですよ'?
This is a piece of advice about the importance of regular rest.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Maitsuki' is much more common in daily conversation. 'Maigetsu' is used in formal or technical contexts.
Yes, but 'kesseki' (absence) is the more formal term used by teachers.
No, it means taking a break *within* every month, usually just a day or two.
It's not rude if you use the polite form 'yasumimasu', but 'yasumi o itadakimasu' is better.
'Yasumu' is the verb (to rest), and 'yasumi' is the noun (a break/holiday).
Yes, it's perfect for saying you are skipping your monthly sessions.
Yes, it is {毎月|まいつき}.
You say '{毎月|まいつき}{休|やす}いたいです'.
Yes, often by characters who are tired of work or school!
Yes, you can say you are 'resting' (pausing) a subscription.
Related Phrases
{月|つき}に{一度|いちど}
similarOnce a month
{有給休暇|ゆうきゅうきゅうか}
specialized formPaid leave
{定休日|ていきゅうび}
relatedRegular closing day
{休養|きゅうよう}
synonymRecuperation/Rest
{欠席|けっせき}する
similarTo be absent
