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有給休暇

B2 noun 10 min read

有給休暇

yuukyuukyuuka

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 有給休暇 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 有給休暇 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '有給休暇' (yuukyuu kyuuka) means a 'paid holiday.' In Japan, work is very important, so people talk about taking days off. You might hear the short version, '有給' (yuukyuu). For now, just remember that this word means you can stay home from work and still get your money. You can use it in very simple sentences like '有給を取ります' (I will take a paid holiday). It is a noun. When you start working in Japan, this is one of the first important words to learn because it helps you talk about your rest time. You don't need to know the complex laws yet, just that it's a special kind of 'yasumi' (holiday) where you get paid.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '有給休暇' in basic workplace conversations. You should understand that it is different from a regular weekend (shukujitsu). You can ask your boss for permission using polite forms like '有給休暇を取ってもいいですか？' (May I take a paid holiday?). You should also recognize the abbreviation '有給' used by colleagues. At this level, you might talk about your plans during the leave, such as '有給休暇で旅行に行きます' (I'm going on a trip using paid leave). Understanding that this is a 'right' for workers is important. You might also see this word on a company calendar or a simple application form. It's a key word for basic 'Work-Life Balance' discussions.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '有給休暇' in various professional contexts. You should know the common verbs like '申請する' (to apply for) and '消化する' (to use/consume). You can explain why you are taking the leave, such as for a family event or a personal errand. You should also be aware of the social atmosphere in Japan, where people sometimes feel hesitant to take leave, and how to navigate that politely. For example, saying 'ご迷惑をおかけしますが' (I'm sorry for the inconvenience) when announcing your leave. You should understand phrases like '有給休暇の残り' (remaining paid leave) and be able to discuss your leave balance with the HR department or your supervisor.

At the B2 level, you should have a deeper understanding of '有給休暇' within the context of Japanese labor laws and corporate culture. You should be familiar with the 'Work Style Reform' (働き方改革) and the legal requirement for employees to take at least five days of leave per year. You can participate in discussions about '有給休暇取得率' (the rate of taking paid leave) and its impact on employee well-being. You should be able to use more formal terminology like '年次有給休暇' and understand the nuances of '代休' (compensatory leave) versus '有給'. At this level, you can handle complex situations, such as negotiating when to take leave during a busy project or discussing company policy changes regarding leave increments (e.g., hourly leave).

At the C1 level, you can discuss '有給休暇' as a socio-economic issue. You can analyze the historical reasons why Japanese workers have been reluctant to use their leave and how modern legislation is attempting to change this 'overwork' culture. You should be able to read and understand detailed employment contracts, labor union demands, and government white papers regarding '有給休暇の義務化' (mandatory paid leave). You can use the word in sophisticated arguments about labor productivity, mental health in the workplace, and international comparisons of labor rights. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle use of humble and honorific language when discussing leave with high-ranking officials.

At the C2 level, you possess a comprehensive mastery of '有給休暇' and all related legal, cultural, and historical nuances. You can interpret the fine print of the Labor Standards Act and discuss legal precedents involving the 'right to specify the timing of leave' (時季指定権) versus the employer's 'right to request a change in timing' (時季変更権). You can lead high-level corporate strategy meetings regarding human resource management and employee retention through improved leave policies. You are capable of writing academic or professional articles on the evolution of Japanese labor practices, using '有給休暇' as a focal point for broader cultural analysis. You understand the most obscure abbreviations and technical jargon used by labor lawyers and HR specialists.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

有給休暇 in 30 Seconds

有給休暇 means 'paid annual leave' in Japanese business and legal contexts.
Commonly abbreviated to '有給' (Yuukyuu) in spoken conversation among coworkers.
It is a legal entitlement in Japan, starting at 10 days after six months of work.
Usage often involves verbs like 取る (take), 申請する (apply), and 消化する (use up).

The term 有給休暇 (ゆうきゅうきゅうか) is an essential concept in the Japanese professional world, referring specifically to 'paid annual leave' or 'paid time off' (PTO). In the context of Japanese labor law, it represents a statutory right granted to employees who have worked for a continuous period and have maintained a certain attendance record. While the literal translation is 'paid holiday,' its usage encompasses everything from a single day taken for personal errands to a longer vacation, though the latter is historically less common in Japan's work culture.

Legal Standing: Under the Labor Standards Act of Japan, employers must grant 10 days of paid leave to employees who have been employed for six months and have worked at least 80% of all working days. This number increases with length of service.
Social Context: Traditionally, Japanese employees felt a sense of 'enryo' (restraint) regarding taking leave, often leaving many days unused. However, recent 'Work Style Reform' (働き方改革) laws now mandate that employees take at least five days of their allotted leave per year.

来週、有給休暇を三日間取って、京都に旅行に行く予定です。 (Next week, I plan to take three days of paid leave and go on a trip to Kyoto.)

In daily conversation, especially among colleagues, the term is frequently shortened to simply 有給 (ゆうきゅう). You will hear people say '有給を取る' (take paid leave) or '有給が残っている' (have paid leave remaining). Understanding this word is crucial for anyone working in Japan or dealing with Japanese clients, as it directly impacts scheduling, project management, and interpersonal relationships within the office.

有給休暇の消化率を上げることが、今年の会社の目標の一つです。 (Increasing the utilization rate of paid leave is one of the company's goals this year.)

Cultural Nuance: The term '消化する' (shouka suru - to digest/use up) is often used with 有給休暇 to describe the act of using one's allotted days, suggesting a systematic approach to leave management.

有給休暇を使って、子供の運動会に参加しました。 (I used a paid holiday to participate in my child's sports day.)

Furthermore, the concept is distinct from '休日' (kyuujitsu), which refers to scheduled days off like weekends or national holidays. 有給休暇 is a specific entitlement that the worker chooses to exercise. In a modern context, companies are increasingly encouraging 'Work-Life Balance' (ワークライフバランス), making the discussion of 有給休暇 more common and less stigmatized than in previous decades.

有給休暇の申請書を提出してください。 (Please submit your paid leave application form.)

退職前に残っている有給休暇をすべて使い切るつもりです。 (I intend to use up all my remaining paid leave before I resign.)

Terminology: The kanji breakdown: 有 (existence/possession) + 給 (provision/pay) + 休 (rest) + 暇 (spare time). Together, they literally mean 'rest time with pay provided.'

Using 有給休暇 effectively requires knowing its most common verb pairings and administrative contexts. The most standard verb is 取る (toru - to take), but in formal or business settings, you will encounter 取得する (shutoku suru - to acquire/take) or 消化する (shouka suru - to use up). When you are asking for leave, the phrasing should be polite and clear.

Standard Usage: To take a day off: 有給休暇を取る (Yuukyuu kyuuka o toru). This is the most versatile phrase for daily use.
Administrative Usage: To apply for leave: 有給休暇を申請する (Yuukyuu kyuuka o shinsei suru). This is used when talking about the formal process of filling out forms.

部長、来週の金曜日に有給休暇をいただいてもよろしいでしょうか？ (Department Manager, would it be alright if I took a paid holiday next Friday?)

When discussing your balance of leave, use '残っている' (nokotte iru - to remain) or '付与される' (fuyo sareru - to be granted). For example, '有給休暇がまだ20日残っています' (I still have 20 days of paid leave left). In Japan, it's also common to discuss the '有給休暇取得率' (yuukyuu kyuuka shutoku ritsu), which is the percentage of leave actually taken by employees, a key metric for evaluating a company's work environment.

弊社では、有給休暇を1時間単位で取得できる制度を導入しました。 (Our company has introduced a system where paid leave can be taken in one-hour increments.)

Combining with Time: Half-day leave: 半日有給休暇 (hannichi yuukyuu kyuuka). Often shortened to 半休 (hankyuu).

彼は有給休暇を利用して、資格試験の勉強に集中した。 (He used his paid leave to concentrate on studying for a qualification exam.)

In a sentence where you are explaining someone's absence to a third party, you might say, '〇〇は本日、有給休暇を取っております' (Mr./Ms. XX is taking a paid holiday today). This is standard business Japanese. Notice the use of '取っております' (te-oru form) to indicate a current state of being on leave.

政府は企業に対し、従業員に有給休暇を確実に取得させるよう求めている。 (The government is calling on companies to ensure that employees take their paid leave.)

忙しくてなかなか有給休暇が取れないのが悩みです。 (My problem is that I'm too busy to take any paid leave.)

Official Terminology: Annual Paid Leave: 年次有給休暇 (nenji yuukyuu kyuuka). This is the full, legal term used in contracts and labor laws.

You will encounter 有給休暇 primarily in the workplace, but it also appears in news reports regarding labor rights and social trends. In a Japanese office, it is a constant topic of discussion during the transition of seasons or before major holidays like Golden Week or Obon. It is not just a HR term; it's a part of the social fabric that dictates how people balance their personal lives with their professional obligations.

In the Office: Conversations about upcoming plans: '来週、有給取るの？' (Are you taking paid leave next week?). Or during morning briefings (Chorei): '明日は有給休暇をいただきます' (I will be taking a paid holiday tomorrow).
From HR/Management: Emails or announcements regarding leave balances: '有給休暇の有効期限が迫っています' (The expiration date for your paid leave is approaching).

「あ、佐藤さん。明日は有給休暇ですか？」「はい、ちょっと実家に帰る予定でして。」 (Ah, Sato-san. Are you on paid leave tomorrow? Yes, I plan to go back to my parents' house for a bit.)

In popular media, particularly 'Workplace Dramas' (Oshigoto-mono), characters often struggle with the guilt of taking 有給休暇 or, conversely, the burnout resulting from not taking it. The term is also a staple in recruitment advertisements. Companies often list '有給休暇あり' (Paid leave available) or highlight their '有給休暇取得率' to attract potential employees by demonstrating a healthy work environment.

ニュース番組：「今年の夏、有給休暇を5日以上連続で取得するサラリーマンが増えています。」 (News program: This summer, the number of office workers taking five or more consecutive days of paid leave is increasing.)

News & Media: Discussions on labor law changes: '働き方改革関連法により、有給休暇の取得が義務化されました' (With the Work Style Reform Act, taking paid leave has become mandatory).

求人票：福利厚生として、有給休暇のほか、夏季休暇や特別休暇も充実しています。 (Job listing: As part of the welfare benefits, in addition to paid leave, summer holidays and special leave are also well-provided.)

In summary, whether you are reading a contract, chatting by the water cooler, or watching the news, 有給休暇 is the standard term for one's right to rest without financial penalty. Its presence in a conversation usually signals a transition from professional duty to personal time, making it one of the most 'refreshing' words in the Japanese business lexicon.

同僚との会話：「有給、全部使い切った？」「いや、まだ数日残ってるよ。」 (Conversation with a colleague: Did you use up all your paid leave? No, I still have a few days left.)

While 有給休暇 seems straightforward, learners often make mistakes regarding its abbreviation, its distinction from other types of leave, and the cultural expectations surrounding its use. Understanding these pitfalls will help you navigate the Japanese workplace with greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Abbreviation Misuse: Mistake: Using '有給' (Yuukyuu) in formal written documents. Correction: Always use the full '有給休暇' (Yuukyuu Kyuuka) or '年次有給休暇' in formal contexts.
Confusing with Holidays: Mistake: Using 有給休暇 to refer to a national holiday (祝日 - shukujitsu). Correction: 有給休暇 is an individual right, while 祝日 is a calendar-mandated day off for everyone.

✕ 明日は有給休暇（祝日）だから、会社は休みです。 (Incorrect: Tomorrow is a paid leave (meaning holiday), so the company is closed.)

Another common error is confusing 有給休暇 with 欠勤 (kekkin). 欠勤 refers to an absence from work when you were supposed to be there, and it is usually unpaid. Using 有給休暇 means you are officially excused and still being paid. Mixing these up in a conversation with your boss could lead to serious misunderstandings about your salary and professional standing.

✕ 風邪を引いたので、昨日は欠勤しました。 (Correct if unpaid, but if you want to be paid, say: 有給休暇を使いました。)

Cultural Misstep: Taking leave without informing your team in advance. Even though it is a legal right, failing to coordinate can be seen as 'meiwaku' (a nuisance) in Japanese culture.

✕ 明日からいきなり一週間有給休暇を取ります。 (Taking a week off suddenly from tomorrow without prior notice is generally unacceptable.)

Lastly, learners sometimes use the word '休み' (yasumi) too vaguely. While '休み' is fine in casual settings, in a professional context, being specific about whether it is '有給' (paid), '公休' (scheduled off), or '振休' (substitute holiday) is important for clarity. For example, '有給休暇を消化する' is much more professional than just saying '休みを消化する'.

「有給休暇」と「無給休暇」を間違えないようにしましょう。前者は給料が出ますが、後者は出ません。 (Make sure not to confuse 'Paid Leave' with 'Unpaid Leave'. The former includes salary, while the latter does not.)

Japanese has many words for 'time off,' and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the leave and the level of formality. 有給休暇 is specifically 'paid leave,' but you might need these alternatives depending on the situation.

有給 (ゆうきゅう): The common abbreviation. Used in 90% of spoken workplace conversations. '有給取るの？' (Taking paid leave?)
年休 (ねんきゅう): Short for 年次有給休暇 (Annual Paid Leave). This is often used in official documents, schedules, or by HR departments.
休暇 (きゅうか): A general term for 'vacation' or 'leave.' It can include paid and unpaid types. Often used in compounds like 夏季休暇 (Summer vacation).

「有給休暇」と「リフレッシュ休暇」の違いは何ですか？ (What is the difference between 'Paid Leave' and 'Refresh Leave'?)

Some companies offer リフレッシュ休暇 (Refresh Kyuuka), which is a special type of paid leave usually granted after a certain number of years of service (e.g., every 5 or 10 years). This is separate from your standard annual 有給休暇. There is also 慶弔休暇 (Keicho Kyuuka), which is leave for special occasions like weddings or funerals.

明日は代休（だいきゅう）を取ります。 (I will take a compensatory day off tomorrow.)

代休 (だいきゅう) vs. 振休 (ふりきゅう): 代休 is a day off taken after working on a holiday. 振休 is a day off scheduled in advance to replace a working holiday. Neither uses up your 有給休暇 balance.

「夏休みは有給を使って10日間にしました。」 (I used my paid leave to make my summer vacation 10 days long.)

In summary, while 有給休暇 is the legal gold standard for leave, knowing terms like 年休, 代休, and リフレッシュ休暇 will help you understand your rights and the office schedule more clearly. When in doubt, '有給' is your safest bet for daily conversation, and '有給休暇' is best for formal requests.

育児休業（育休）と有給休暇を組み合わせて取得することも可能です。 (It is also possible to take a combination of childcare leave and paid leave.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the early Showa era, taking paid leave was seen as a sign of weakness or lack of dedication. Today, the government literally forces people to take it to prevent 'Karoshi' (death from overwork).

Pronunciation Guide

UK juːkjuː kjuːkə

US juːkjuː kjuːkə

In Japanese, pitch accent is used rather than stress. 'Yuukyuu' generally has a Low-High-High-High pattern, and 'Kyuuka' has a High-Low-Low pattern.

Rhymes With

Kyuuka (休暇) rhymes with Shuuka (集荷 - collection) Kyuuka (休暇) rhymes with Tsuuka (通貨 - currency) Yuukyuu (有給) rhymes with Kyuukyuu (救急 - emergency) Yuukyuu (有給) rhymes with Shuukyuu (週休 - weekly day off) Yuukyuu (有給) rhymes with Jyuukyuu (十九 - nineteen) Yuukyuu (有給) rhymes with Ryuukyuu (琉球 - Ryukyu Islands) Yuukyuu (有給) rhymes with Kyuukyuu (窮久 - deep poverty) Yuukyuu (有給) rhymes with Buukyuu (uncommon)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yuu' as 'yuh' (short vowel).
Confusing the pitch of 'yuukyuu' with other similar-sounding words.
Skipping the small 'yu' sounds in 'kyuuka'.
Failing to elongate the vowels in 'yuu' and 'kyuu'.
Mispunctuating the word when writing in romaji.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji are N3/N2 level. Recognizing the four-character compound is essential for business literacy.

Writing 5/5

Writing '休暇' (Kyuuka) can be tricky for beginners due to the complexity of the characters.

Speaking 3/5

The word is long, but the abbreviation 'Yuukyuu' is easy to say.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear in workplace environments as it is a common topic.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

休み (Yasumi) 仕事 (Shigoto) 給料 (Kyuuryou) 会社 (Kaisha) 取る (Toru)

Learn Next

福利厚生 (Fukuri kousei) 残業 (Zangyou) 退職 (Taishoku) 申請 (Shinsei) 消化 (Shouka)

Advanced

労働基準法 (Roudou kijun hou) 時季変更権 (Jiki henkou ken) 裁量労働制 (Sairyou roudou sei)

Grammar to Know

Using 〜ために to express the purpose of taking leave.

旅行に行くために、有給休暇を取りました。

Using the potential form to express the ability to take leave.

忙しくて有給休暇が取れません。

Using 〜やすい/〜にくい with the verb stem of 取る.

この会社は有給休暇が取りやすいです。

The humble form いただく when requesting leave from a superior.

明日、有給休暇をいただけますでしょうか？

Using 〜中 (chuu) to indicate you are currently on leave.

彼は現在、有給休暇中です。

Examples by Level

明日は有給休暇です。

Tomorrow is a paid holiday.

Simple [Noun] + です structure.

有給休暇を取ります。

I will take a paid holiday.

Uses the verb 取る (to take).

有給はありますか？

Is there paid leave? / Do I have paid leave?

Abbreviated '有給' used as a noun.

有給休暇、うれしいです。

I am happy about the paid holiday.

Expressing an emotion about the noun.

今日は有給です。

Today is (my) paid leave day.

Casual use of the abbreviation.

来週、有給を取ってもいいですか？

May I take a paid holiday next week?

〜てもいいですか (May I...?) permission form.

有給休暇は10日あります。

There are 10 days of paid leave.

Stating quantity with the noun.

有給休暇で休みます。

I will rest using paid leave.

〜で (by means of) particle usage.

有給休暇を使って、旅行に行きたいです。

I want to go on a trip using my paid leave.

〜たい (want to) expressing desire.

初めて有給休暇を取りました。

I took a paid holiday for the first time.

初めて (for the first time) + past tense.

有給休暇の申請をしました。

I applied for a paid holiday.

申請 (application) + をしました.

今月、有給を三日取ります。

I will take three days of paid leave this month.

Specifying quantity with counter '日' (nichi).

有給休暇は大切ですね。

Paid leave is important, isn't it?

Adjective '大切' (important) + 'ね' (confirmation).

有給休暇中、メールは見ません。

I don't look at emails during my paid leave.

〜中 (juu/chuu - during/middle of).

どこで有給休暇の紙をもらえますか？

Where can I get the paid leave form?

Potential verb 'もらえる' (can get).

有給休暇はいつから使えますか？

From when can I use my paid leave?

いつから (from when) + potential verb.

有給休暇を消化するために、休みを取りました。

I took time off in order to use up my paid leave.

〜ために (in order to) expressing purpose.

有給休暇がまだ2週間分残っています。

I still have two weeks' worth of paid leave left.

〜分 (bun - portion/amount) + 残っている.

急な用事で有給休暇をいただくことになりました。

It has been decided that I will take paid leave due to urgent business.

Humble 'いただく' + 'ことになりました' (it's been decided).

有給休暇の取得率を上げることが課題です。

Increasing the rate of taking paid leave is a challenge.

取得率 (acquisition rate) as a subject.

有給休暇を取ることに、少し罪悪感があります。

I feel a bit guilty about taking paid leave.

罪悪感 (guilt) + があります.

来週の月曜日に有給休暇を振り替えました。

I moved my paid holiday to next Monday.

振り替える (to transfer/move).

有給休暇の間に、家の片付けをしたいです。

I want to tidy up my house during my paid leave.

〜の間に (during the interval of).

弊社は有給休暇が取りやすい環境です。

Our company has an environment where it's easy to take paid leave.

〜やすい (easy to) attached to the verb stem.

働き方改革により、年に5日の有給休暇取得が義務付けられました。

Due to the Work Style Reform, taking five days of paid leave per year has become mandatory.

Passive form '義務付けられた' (was made mandatory).

有給休暇を半日単位で取得できる制度があります。

There is a system where you can take paid leave in half-day units.

〜単位で (in units of).

プロジェクトが一段落したので、まとめて有給休暇を取るつもりです。

The project has reached a milestone, so I intend to take my paid leave all at once.

まとめて (all at once/collectively).

有給休暇の買い取りは、原則として認められていません。

In principle, the buying back of paid leave is not permitted.

原則として (as a rule/in principle).

有給休暇の付与日数は、勤続年数に応じて増えていきます。

The number of days of paid leave granted increases according to the years of continuous service.

〜に応じて (according to/depending on).

有給休暇の申請期限を過ぎないように注意してください。

Please be careful not to miss the deadline for applying for paid leave.

〜ないように (so that... not).

彼は退職前に有給休暇をすべて消化しました。

He used up all his paid leave before resigning.

消化 (consumption/digestion) used for leave.

有給休暇の取得を促進するために、リフレッシュデーを設けています。

To encourage taking paid leave, we have established 'refresh days'.

促進する (to promote/encourage).

有給休暇の時季指定権を行使する際には、業務への影響を考慮する必要があります。

When exercising the right to specify the timing of paid leave, it is necessary to consider the impact on business operations.

時季指定権 (right to specify timing) - technical legal term.

企業には、従業員が有給休暇を取得しやすい職場文化を醸成する責任がある。

Companies have a responsibility to foster a workplace culture where it is easy for employees to take paid leave.

醸成する (to foster/brew) used metaphorically for culture.

有給休暇の未消化分が消滅してしまう前に、計画的に使用すべきだ。

One should use paid leave systematically before the unused portion expires.

未消化分 (unused portion) + 消滅 (extinction/expiration).

有給休暇の取得が形骸化している現状を打破しなければならない。

We must break through the current situation where taking paid leave has become a mere formality.

形骸化 (becoming a mere shell/formality).

有給休暇の付与基準日は、各従業員の入社日によって異なります。

The base date for granting paid leave varies depending on each employee's start date.

付与基準日 (base date for granting).

有給休暇取得の義務化は、長時間労働の是正に向けた大きな一歩だ。

The mandatory taking of paid leave is a big step toward correcting long working hours.

是正 (correction/rectification).

有給休暇の繰り越し制度を最大限に活用して、長期休暇を実現した。

I realized a long vacation by making the most of the paid leave carry-over system.

繰り越し (carry-over).

有給休暇の取得を妨げるような言動は、パワーハラスメントに該当する恐れがある。

Behavior that hinders the taking of paid leave may fall under the category of power harassment.

該当する恐れがある (there is a fear/risk of falling under).

使用者は、労働者が請求した時季に有給休暇を与える義務があるが、事業の正常な運営を妨げる場合には時季変更権を行使しうる。

Employers are obligated to grant paid leave at the time requested by the worker; however, if it hinders the normal operation of the business, they may exercise the right to change the timing.

Legalistic 'しうる' (is possible) and '時季変更権' (right to change timing).

有給休暇の取得促進は、単なる福利厚生の範疇を超え、企業のESG経営における重要な指標となっている。

The promotion of paid leave acquisition has moved beyond the scope of mere welfare benefits and has become an important indicator in corporate ESG management.

範疇 (category/scope) and ESG経営 (ESG management).

年次有給休暇の法的性質について、学説は請求権説と観念的権利説に分かれている。

Regarding the legal nature of annual paid leave, academic theories are divided into the 'right to claim' theory and the 'ideological right' theory.

Academic terms '請求権説' and '観念的権利説'.

有給休暇の取得率向上は、労働生産性の向上と密接に相関していることが諸外国のデータから示唆されている。

Data from various foreign countries suggest that improving the paid leave acquisition rate is closely correlated with improving labor productivity.

密接に相関している (closely correlated).

ワークライフシナジーの観点から、有給休暇の戦略的な活用が個人のキャリア形成に資すると考えられる。

From the perspective of work-life synergy, the strategic use of paid leave is thought to contribute to individual career formation.

資する (to contribute/be useful).

有給休暇の未消化分を退職時に一括消化することは、労働者の正当な権利行使として確立されている。

Taking all unused paid leave at once upon retirement is established as a legitimate exercise of a worker's rights.

一括消化 (taking all at once/lump-sum consumption).

有給休暇の取得に関する同調圧力は、依然として多くの日本企業において看過できない課題である。

Peer pressure regarding taking paid leave remains an issue that cannot be overlooked in many Japanese companies.

同調圧力 (peer pressure/conformity pressure) and 看過できない (cannot be overlooked).

有給休暇の法定日数を上回る特別休暇を付与することで、企業は人材獲得競争における優位性を確保しようとしている。

By granting special leave that exceeds the statutory number of paid leave days, companies are trying to secure an advantage in the competition for talent.

法定日数 (statutory number of days) and 優位性を確保する (secure an advantage).

Synonyms

有給有休年次休暇

Antonyms

欠勤無給休暇

Common Collocations

有給休暇を取る

有給休暇を消化する

有給休暇を申請する

有給休暇が残っている

有給休暇を付与する

有給休暇取得率

有給休暇の義務化

有給休暇を使い切る

有給休暇の繰り越し

有給休暇の時季変更

Common Phrases

有給休暇をいただく

— The polite/humble way to say you are taking paid leave. It shows respect to the employer.

明日は有給休暇をいただきます。

有給休暇の買い取り

— The act of a company paying an employee for unused leave days. Usually restricted by law.

退職時に有給休暇の買い取りを交渉した。

有給休暇の取得を促す

— To encourage employees to take their paid leave. Common in management contexts.

上司が部下に有給休暇の取得を促している。

有給休暇の有効期限

— The expiration date of the leave days, after which they can no longer be used.

有給休暇の有効期限は2年間です。

半日有給休暇

— Taking only half a day of paid leave (morning or afternoon).

午後は半日有給休暇を取って病院に行きます。

有給休暇の理由

— The reason for taking leave. Legally, employees don't need to provide one, but often do for politeness.

有給休暇の理由は「私用のため」で十分です。

有給休暇の残日数

— The number of remaining paid leave days an employee has.

有給休暇の残日数を給与明細で確認する。

有給休暇の計画的付与

— A system where the company schedules certain leave days for all employees at once.

年末年始に有給休暇の計画的付与が行われる。

有給休暇の事後申請

— Applying for paid leave after taking it (e.g., due to sudden illness).

急病だったので、有給休暇の事後申請を認めてもらった。

有給休暇の取得妨害

— Preventing or discouraging an employee from taking their entitled leave.

有給休暇の取得妨害は違法行為です。

Often Confused With

有給休暇 vs 休日 (Kyuujitsu)

A scheduled day off for everyone (like Sunday), whereas 有給休暇 is an individual's right to take leave.

有給休暇 vs 欠勤 (Kekkin)

Unpaid absence. 有給休暇 is paid.

有給休暇 vs 代休 (Daikyuu)

A day off taken to compensate for working on a holiday, distinct from annual paid leave.

Idioms & Expressions

"有給をドブに捨てる"

— To let your paid leave expire without using it. Literally 'throwing leave in the ditch'.

忙しすぎて、毎年有給をドブに捨てている。

informal

"有給消化の旅"

— A trip taken specifically to use up remaining paid leave before it expires or before resigning.

退職前に有給消化の旅に出ることにした。

neutral

"休むも仕事のうち"

— Resting is also a part of work. Often used to encourage taking 有給休暇.

あまり根を詰めないで。休むも仕事のうちですよ。

proverbial

"骨休め"

— To rest one's bones/to relax. Often used when taking leave.

有給を取って、温泉で骨休めしてきます。

neutral

"命の洗濯"

— Laundering one's life. To refresh oneself during a long break or leave.

有給休暇でハワイに行って、命の洗濯をしてきた。

idiomatic

"羽を伸ばす"

— To stretch one's wings. To enjoy oneself freely during time off.

有給休暇中は仕事を忘れて羽を伸ばしたい。

neutral

"英気を養う"

— To cultivate one's spirits/energy. To recharge during leave.

有給を取って、次のプロジェクトに向けて英気を養う。

formal/idiomatic

"骨抜きになる"

— To become deboned/spineless. Sometimes used jokingly when one is too relaxed on leave.

一週間の有給で、すっかり骨抜きになってしまった。

informal

"腰を据える"

— To settle down. Used when taking leave to focus on something personal.

有給を取って、腰を据えて勉強に取り組む。

idiomatic

"肩の荷を下ろす"

— To take a load off one's shoulders. The feeling of relief when leave starts.

有給休暇に入って、ようやく肩の荷が下りた気がする。

idiomatic

Easily Confused

有給休暇 vs 祝日 (Shukujitsu)

Both involve being off work.

Shukujitsu are national holidays set by the government. Yuukyuu kyuuka is a personal entitlement from the employer.

明日は祝日ですが、金曜日は有給休暇を取ります。

有給休暇 vs 振休 (Furikyuu)

Both are ways to get a day off.

Furikyuu is a pre-scheduled swap of a work day and a holiday. Yuukyuu is using your earned leave balance.

土曜日に出勤したので、月曜日は振休です。有給は使いません。

有給休暇 vs 夏休み (Natsuyasumi)

People use paid leave for summer trips.

Natsuyasumi can be a fixed company holiday or a period where you are expected to use your 有給休暇.

有給休暇を3日足して、長い夏休みにした。

有給休暇 vs 特別休暇 (Tokubetsu Kyuuka)

Both are types of leave.

Tokubetsu Kyuuka are special leaves for weddings, funerals, etc., defined by the company, not necessarily the law.

結婚したので、有給休暇ではなく特別休暇を取りました。

有給休暇 vs 休職 (Kyuushoku)

Both involve not working.

Kyuushoku is a long-term leave of absence (e.g., for illness or study) where the employment contract continues but work is suspended.

病気で三ヶ月間、休職することになった。

Sentence Patterns

[Date]に有給休暇を取ります。

月曜日に有給休暇を取ります。

[Reason]ので、有給休暇を取ってもいいですか？

風邪を引いたので、有給休暇を取ってもいいですか？

有給休暇を使って、[Activity]するつもりです。

有給休暇を使って、実家に帰るつもりです。

[Condition]ため、有給休暇を消化したいと考えております。

年度末が近いため、有給休暇を消化したいと考えております。

有給休暇の[Legal Concept]を行使させていただきます。

有給休暇の時季指定権を行使させていただきます。

有給休暇の取得が[Societal Impact]に寄与すると期待される。

有給休暇の取得がメンタルヘルスの向上に寄与すると期待される。

有給休暇が[Number]日残っています。

有給休暇が5日残っています。

有給休暇の[Administrative term]を済ませる。

有給休暇の申請を済ませる。

Word Family

Nouns

有給 (Abbreviation)

休暇 (Vacation/Leave)

年次有給休暇 (Annual paid leave)

半休 (Half-day leave)

時間休 (Hourly leave)

Verbs

有給を取る (To take paid leave)

有給を消化する (To use up paid leave)

休暇を申請する (To apply for leave)

Adjectives

有給の (Paid - as an adjective)

休暇中の (On vacation/leave)

福利厚生 (Welfare benefits)

労働基準法 (Labor Standards Act)

働き方改革 (Work Style Reform)

ワークライフバランス (Work-life balance)

ブラック企業 (Black company/Exploitative company)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in work-related contexts.

Common Mistakes

Thinking 'Holiday' (祝日) is the same as 'Paid Leave' (有給). → 祝日 is a public holiday; 有給 is your personal leave.
If you tell someone 'Tomorrow is 有給休暇 so the office is closed,' they will be confused. Offices close for 祝日, not because one person takes 有給.
Using '有給' in a formal contract or letter. → Use '年次有給休暇'.
Abbreviations are for speaking. Formal writing requires the full, legal name of the benefit.
Using '休み' (Yasumi) for everything. → Be specific with '有給' or '欠勤'.
If you just say 'I'm resting,' HR won't know if you want to use your paid days or just not get paid for that day.
Assuming you have paid leave on your first day of work. → Wait for 6 months.
By law, companies only have to grant paid leave after 6 months of service, though some generous companies give it sooner.
Taking leave without any prior communication. → Discuss with your boss first.
Even though it's a right, Japanese business culture values 'Hou-Ren-Sou' (Report, Contact, Consult). Sudden leave is seen as unprofessional.

Tips

Bring Souvenirs

If you take 有給休暇 to travel, it is a very common and appreciated custom to bring back 'Omiyage' (souvenirs/snacks) for your team. It serves as a small 'thank you' for covering your tasks.

Apply Early

While you can technically apply at any time, giving at least 2 weeks' notice for a single day and 1 month for longer leave is considered professional and polite.

Know Your Rights

Remember that 有給休暇 is a statutory right. You don't 'earn' it through your boss's kindness; you earn it by working. Don't be afraid to use it for your health and well-being.

Coordinate with the Team

Before finalizing your dates, check the team calendar. Avoiding major deadlines or busy periods will make your request much smoother and maintain good relationships.

Use 'Yuukyuu' for Ease

In the office, 'Yuukyuu' is the word everyone uses. 'Yuukyuu kyuuka' is great for forms, but 'Yuukyuu' makes you sound like you're part of the team.

Bridge the Holidays

A common strategy in Japan is to use 有給休暇 to bridge the gap between national holidays. For example, if a holiday is on Tuesday, taking Monday off creates a 4-day weekend.

Set an Out-of-Office

Always set an automatic email reply and update your status on communication tools like Slack or Teams when you are on leave.

Don't Save It for Sickness

Try to use your leave for actual rest and fun, not just for when you are too sick to work. Mental health days are important too!

Check Your Balance

Japanese companies often provide a 'leave balance' on your monthly payslip. Keep an eye on it so you don't let days expire.

The 'Leaving' Greeting

The day before your leave, it's polite to say to your team: '明日から有給をいただきます。ご迷惑をおかけしますが、よろしくお願いします。'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'You' (Yu) and 'Q' (Kyuu). 'You' are in the 'Q'ueue for a 'Kyuu'ka (Vacation). You get paid to wait!

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar with golden coins (pay) stacked on top of a beach umbrella (holiday).

Word Web

Salary (給料) Rest (休み) Work (仕事) Law (法律) Travel (旅行) Application (申請) Manager (部長) Health (健康)

Challenge

Try to use '有給休暇' in a sentence that includes a specific number of days and a reason for taking it.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of '有給' (Yuukyuu - having pay) and '休暇' (Kyuuka - holiday/leave). It emerged in the early 20th century as Japan modernized its labor laws.

Original meaning: A holiday provided with compensation.

Sino-Japanese (Kango) - composed of Chinese characters.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing leave with older managers who may still hold traditional views on overwork. Always frame it politely.

In English-speaking countries, 'PTO' or 'Annual Leave' is taken more freely and for longer periods without the same level of collective guilt.

The movie 'Shall We Dance?' touches on the balance between work and personal passion. The term appears frequently in the manga 'Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead' as a symbol of freedom. Japanese news often reports on the 'Yuukyuu Kyuuka Shutoku Ritsu' compared to other G7 nations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Applying for leave with a manager.

有給休暇をいただきたいのですが。
この日に有給休暇を取ってもよろしいでしょうか？
私用のため、有給休暇を申請します。
ご相談があるのですが、有給休暇について...

Chatting with coworkers about plans.

有給取ってどこか行くの？
有給、余ってるんだよね。
いいな、有給休暇！
明日は有給だから、いないよ。

Informing clients about your absence.

誠に勝手ながら、有給休暇のため不在にしております。
休暇中のご連絡は、〇〇までお願いします。
有給休暇をいただいておりますので、返信が遅れます。
〇月〇日は有給休暇の予定です。

HR and Administrative procedures.

有給休暇の残日数を確認したいです。
有給休暇の繰り越しはできますか？
有給休暇の申請期限はいつですか？
有給休暇の取得状況を報告してください。

Legal and News discussions.

有給休暇の取得が義務化されました。
日本の有給休暇取得率は低すぎます。
有給休暇は労働者の正当な権利です。
ワークライフバランスと有給休暇の関係について。

Conversation Starters

"「今年の夏休み、有給休暇を何日取る予定ですか？」 (How many days of paid leave do you plan to take this summer?)"

"「有給休暇がたまっているんですが、おすすめの旅行先はありますか？」 (I have a lot of paid leave saved up; do you have any recommended travel destinations?)"

"「最近、有給休暇を全然取っていないので、来週あたり休もうかと思っています。」 (I haven't taken any paid leave lately, so I'm thinking of taking a day off around next week.)"

"「有給休暇中に仕事の連絡が来たら、返信しますか？」 (Do you reply if you get work messages during your paid leave?)"

"「うちの会社、もっと有給休暇が取りやすくなるといいですよね。」 (It would be great if it became easier to take paid leave at our company, wouldn't it?)"

Journal Prompts

「もし一ヶ月間の有給休暇が取れたら、何をしたいですか？」 (If you could take a one-month paid leave, what would you want to do?)

「日本と自分の国の有給休暇制度の違いについて書いてください。」 (Write about the differences between the paid leave systems in Japan and your own country.)

「有給休暇を取ることに対して、どう感じますか？（リラックスできる、罪悪感がある、など）」 (How do you feel about taking paid leave? (Relaxed, guilty, etc.))

「最後に有給休暇を取った時の思い出を教えてください。」 (Tell me about your memories from the last time you took paid leave.)

「有給休暇を上手に消化するための計画を立ててみましょう。」 (Let's make a plan to effectively use up your paid leave.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Legally, no. In Japan, you are not required to provide a specific reason for taking paid leave. Writing '私用のため' (for personal reasons) on the application is perfectly acceptable and standard practice. However, in some traditional offices, people might share their plans out of politeness.

Generally, no. Employers must grant leave when requested. However, they have the 'Right to Change Timing' (時季変更権) if your absence would significantly hinder normal business operations. In such cases, they must work with you to find another time.

Typically, if you work full-time, you get 10 days after your first six months. The number increases by one or two days each year you stay with the company, up to a maximum of 20 days per year.

Yes. In Japan, paid leave usually expires after two years. For example, leave granted in 2023 can be carried over to 2024, but if it's not used by the end of 2024, it will be lost.

Yes, many people in Japan use their paid leave balance for sick days because most companies do not offer separate 'sick leave' (paid) as is common in some Western countries.

Many companies allow you to split one day of 有給休暇 into two 'half-days'. This is useful for short appointments like going to the doctor or a bank. It counts as 0.5 days from your balance.

While companies aren't legally required to 'buy back' your leave, many employees 'consume' (消化) all their remaining days right before their official last day of work, effectively getting paid for that time.

Part-time workers (Arubaito/Part) are also entitled to 有給休暇, but the number of days is proportional to the number of days they work per week.

It is becoming more acceptable, especially in larger or international companies. However, in smaller, traditional firms, taking more than one week at a time is still relatively rare and requires significant advance notice.

Since 2019, Japanese law requires employers to ensure that any employee with 10 or more days of leave actually takes at least 5 days off per year. This was to combat the culture of never taking leave.