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休養する

B1 verb #4,500 most common 10 min read

休養する

kyuuyou suru Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 休養する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 休養する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely know the word 'yasumu' (休む), which means 'to rest' or 'to take a day off.' 'Kyūyō suru' is a more difficult version of this word. You don't need to use it yourself yet, but you might see it on signs or hear it on the news. Think of it as 'Special Rest.' While 'yasumu' is like sitting down for a minute, 'kyūyō' is like staying in bed because you are sick. It is a 'suru' verb, so you can say 'kyūyō shimasu' to mean 'I will take a restorative rest.' Just remember: use 'yasumu' for your friends and 'kyūyō' when talking about health in a more serious way. It's a big word for a simple idea: getting better by resting.

At the A2 level, you should start recognizing 'kyūyō suru' in reading materials, especially those related to health or work. You might see it in a sentence like 'Kyou wa kyuuyou ga hitsuyou desu' (Today, rest is necessary). At this stage, it's important to differentiate it from 'kyūkei' (a short break). If you are tired from walking all day, you 'kyūkei' at a cafe. But if you have a fever and need to stay home for two days, that is closer to 'kyūyō.' You can use the phrase 'kyūyō wo toru' (to take a rest) which is very common. It shows you are moving beyond the most basic verbs and starting to use more specific vocabulary.

As a B1 learner, 'kyūyō suru' is a key word for your vocabulary. You are now expected to understand the nuance of 'recuperation.' This word is perfect for explaining why you were absent from a meeting or why a project is delayed. Instead of just saying you were 'off,' using 'kyūyō shite imashita' explains that you were actively recovering your health. You should also be comfortable with the noun form 'kyūyō.' For example, 'Kyuuyou no tame, kesseki shimasu' (I will be absent for the sake of recuperation). This level is about precision, and 'kyūyō' provides exactly the right tone for professional and medical interactions.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'kyūyō suru' in complex sentences and understand its social implications in Japan. You’ll encounter it in discussions about 'Karoushi' (death from overwork) and the importance of 'Work-Life Balance.' You should understand collocations like 'kyūyō wo yoginaku sareru' (to be forced to rest). You might also use it metaphorically, such as giving a 'rest' to a plot of land or a machine to maintain its longevity. Your ability to distinguish between 'kyūyō,' 'seisoku,' and 'kyūka' should be sharp, allowing you to choose the word that perfectly fits the level of formality and the specific reason for the absence.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the deeper cultural and philosophical layers of 'kyūyō.' You might analyze texts that discuss 'kyūyō' as a strategic necessity in high-performance environments, like professional sports or executive management. You should be familiar with its appearance in official corporate reports and medical journals. You can use the word to discuss public health policies or the psychological benefits of restorative periods. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know the weight it carries in a society that historically undervalued rest, and how the usage of this word is evolving in modern, wellness-conscious Japan.

For C2 proficiency, 'kyūyō suru' is a tool for nuanced expression in the highest registers of Japanese. You understand its etymological roots in the concept of 'nurturing' (養) and can discuss how this distinguishes it from Western concepts of 'time off.' You can use it in academic writing, legal contexts regarding labor laws, or high-level medical consultations. You are also aware of its use in classical-style modern prose. You can navigate the subtle shifts in meaning when it is used in the passive, causative, or humble forms. To you, 'kyūyō' is not just a verb; it is a conceptual framework for the preservation of human resources and personal well-being.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

休養する in 30 Seconds

休養する means to recuperate or take a restorative rest to recover health or energy.
It is more formal than 'yasumu' and more health-focused than 'kyūkei' (a short break).
Commonly used in medical, professional, and sports contexts for long-term recovery.
The kanji literally mean 'rest' and 'nurture,' implying an active recovery process.

The Japanese verb 休養する (kyūyō suru) is a sophisticated and essential term for anyone navigating intermediate to advanced Japanese. While the basic verb yasumu (休む) covers a broad range of meanings from 'taking a day off' to 'sleeping,' kyūyō suru specifically denotes the act of recuperating or taking a restorative break to recover one's physical or mental health. It is composed of two kanji: 休 (rest) and 養 (nurture or foster). Together, they imply not just the cessation of activity, but an active process of nurturing oneself back to a state of wellness. This word is frequently encountered in medical contexts, professional announcements regarding health-related leaves of absence, and discussions about work-life balance.

Formal Context: In Japanese news, when a celebrity or politician takes a break due to illness, the media almost always uses '休養する' rather than '休む'. This provides a level of dignity and medical legitimacy to the absence.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at its social weight. In a culture often criticized for overwork, kyūyō suru represents a necessary intervention. It is the word a doctor uses when prescribing rest. It isn't just a 'break' for fun; it is a 'rest' for survival and recovery. If you tell your boss you need to kyūyō suru, it sounds much more serious and health-focused than simply saying you want a day off.

医師の診断に従い、一ヶ月間自宅で休養することになった。
(I have decided to recuperate at home for one month following the doctor's diagnosis.)

Furthermore, the word is used extensively in the sports world. After a grueling season, athletes will enter a period of kyūyō to allow their muscles and joints to heal. In this sense, it is a strategic part of performance. Without kyūyō, one cannot reach their peak. This highlights the positive, constructive nature of the term. It is not 'laziness'; it is 'maintenance.'

Distinction from Kyūkei: While 'kyūkei' (休憩) refers to a short break like a 15-minute coffee break or a lunch hour, 'kyūyō' (休養) refers to a longer, more substantial period of recovery, often spanning days, weeks, or even months.

In contemporary Japan, the phrase kyūyō wo toru (to take a rest) is often used in mental health awareness campaigns. It encourages workers to recognize signs of burnout and take proactive steps to recover before reaching a breaking point. Therefore, using this word correctly demonstrates an understanding of both the Japanese language and the underlying social values regarding health and productivity.

仕事のストレスが溜まっているので、週末はしっかり休養するつもりです。
(Stress from work is piling up, so I plan to get some solid recuperation over the weekend.)

Using 休養する effectively involves understanding its grammatical role as a suru-verb. This means it can function as a noun (休養 - rest/recuperation) or a verb (休養する - to recuperate). In sentences, it often follows a reason for the rest, such as an illness, injury, or mental exhaustion. Because it is a formal word, it pairs well with polite forms like ~shimasu or ~shite imasu.

Grammar Pattern: [Duration] + 休養する: It is common to specify how long the recuperation period is. For example: 'Isshūkan kyuuyou suru' (To rest for one week).

When discussing someone else taking a rest, especially a superior or a public figure, the word is often used in the passive or potential form to show respect or necessity. For instance, 'Kyuuyou ga hitsuyou da' (Rest is necessary) is a standard way for a doctor to deliver a verdict. If you are describing a state of ongoing rest, use the continuous form: kyūyō shite iru.

過労で倒れた彼は、現在、温泉地で休養しています。
(Having collapsed from overwork, he is currently recuperating at a hot spring resort.)

Another important construction is 休養を取る (kyūyō wo toru). While kyūyō suru is the verb form, kyūyō wo toru (literally 'to take rest') is equally common and sounds slightly more deliberate, as if one is actively carving out time for recovery. This is often used in advice: 'Chanto kyuuyou wo totta hou ga ii desu yo' (It's better to take a proper rest).

In academic or professional writing, you might see 休養を余儀なくされる (kyūyō wo yoginaku sareru), which means 'to be forced to take a rest.' This is a very formal expression used when someone has no choice but to stop working due to health issues. It emphasizes the external necessity of the break.

Collocation: 十分な (Jūbun na): 'Jūbun na kyuuyou' (sufficient rest) is the most common adjective-noun pairing. Example: 'Jūbun na kyuuyou wo ataeru' (To give sufficient rest).

Finally, consider the setting. In a hospital, a nurse might say, 'Yukkuri kyuuyou shite kudasai' (Please rest comfortably/slowly). Here, yukkuri (slowly/leisurely) softens the clinical tone of kyūyō, making it sound more caring and supportive. This demonstrates how Japanese speakers balance formal vocabulary with adverbial modifiers to set the right emotional tone.

手術の後は、数日間の休養が必要です。
(After the surgery, several days of recuperation are necessary.)

You will encounter 休養する in several distinct real-world scenarios in Japan. The most common is the entertainment industry. If a famous J-pop idol or a popular YouTuber suddenly stops posting or performing, their agency will release an official statement. These statements almost invariably use the word kyūyō. It signals to the fans that the person is not 'quitting' or 'being lazy,' but is dealing with a legitimate health issue that requires professional attention.

The News Headline: 'Popular Actor A, Health Issues Lead to Indefinite Recuperation' (人気俳優Aさん、体調不良で無期限休養へ). This is a standard headline format in Japanese tabloids and news sites.

In the workplace, kyūyō is a word used in Human Resources and management. When an employee takes a leave of absence for mental health (often cited as utsubyō or depression in modern Japan), the official paperwork and the way managers discuss it with other staff (while maintaining privacy) often involves kyūyō. It frames the absence as a medical necessity. If you are working in a Japanese office and a colleague is gone for a month, you might be told, 'Kare wa ima, kyuuyou-chuu desu' (He is currently in a period of recuperation).

「最近、顔色が悪いですよ。少し休養したほうがいいんじゃないですか？」
(“You haven't looked well lately. Don't you think you should take some rest?”)

Another place is the doctor's office. A Japanese physician will rarely say 'Yasunde kudasai' (Please rest) in a vacuum. Instead, they will use kyūyō to emphasize the medical treatment aspect of resting. They might say, 'Eiyō to kyuuyou ga dai-ichi desu' (Nutrition and rest are the first priority). This reinforces the idea that resting is part of the 'prescription' for getting better.

Public Service Announcements: During the summer months, the government often issues warnings about heatstroke (netsuchūshō). These announcements frequently urge citizens to 'Tekisetsu na kyuuyou wo toru' (Take appropriate rest) and stay hydrated.

Finally, you will see it in the titles of books and articles about wellness. 'The Art of Recuperation' or 'How to Kyūyō' are common themes in self-help literature. In this context, it's about 'active rest'—doing things that specifically recharge your battery, like forest bathing, meditation, or visiting an onsen. It’s a holistic term for self-care.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 休養する for very short, casual breaks. If you are in the middle of a study session and want to step out for five minutes to grab a water, saying 'Kyuuyou shimasu' sounds incredibly dramatic, as if you are suffering from a chronic illness and need medical intervention. For these short breaks, always use 休憩する (kyūkei suru).

Mistake: The 'Coffee Break' Error: Wrong: コーヒーを飲むために10分間休養します。
Right: コーヒーを飲むために10分間休憩します。

Another mistake involves confusing kyūyō with kyūka (休暇). While both involve being away from work, kyūka refers to 'vacation' or 'holiday'—time off that you usually plan in advance for fun or personal business. Kyūyō is specifically for recovery. If you tell your friends you are going to Hawaii for kyūyō, they might think you are going there to recover from a serious illness rather than just to have fun on the beach.

× ハワイに休養に行きます。
○ ハワイに休暇で行きます。
(Note: Unless the trip is specifically for medical 'recuperation,' use 'kyūka' for vacations.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the difference between kyūyō and seisoku (静養). Seisoku is an even more specific and formal term meaning 'resting in a quiet environment to recover from illness.' While kyūyō can happen anywhere (even at home while watching TV), seisoku usually implies a quiet, often secluded place like a sanitarium or a mountain villa. Using seisoku for a simple hangover would be an overstatement.

Register Confusion: Using 'kyūyō' in very casual slang-filled conversations with friends might feel a bit stiff. In those cases, 'chotto yasumu' (take a little rest) or 'goro-goro suru' (to lounge around) are much more natural.

Finally, watch out for the kanji. The second kanji 養 (yō) is often confused with similar looking characters like 善 (zen - good) or 美 (bi - beauty). Always remember that 養 has the 'sheep' (羊) radical on top and 'food/eat' (食) on the bottom—it literally means 'feeding the sheep' or 'nourishing.'

To truly master 休養する, you need to see where it sits in the 'family of rest.' Japanese has many words for resting, each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one shows you understand the context deeply. Below is a comparison of the most common alternatives.

休憩 (Kyūkei): A short break during work or an activity. Usually lasts minutes to an hour. Purpose: To refresh before continuing. Example: 'Jugyō no aida ni kyuukei suru' (Take a break between classes).
休暇 (Kyūka): A formal vacation or holiday from work/school. Often used for 'paid leave' (yūkyū kyūka). Purpose: Leisure or personal matters. Example: 'Natsu-kyūka wo toru' (Take a summer vacation).
静養 (Seisoku): Resting in a quiet, peaceful place to recover health. More formal and medical than 'kyūyō'. Often implies a change of scenery. Example: 'Inaka de seisoku suru' (To recuperate in the countryside).

There is also 休息 (Kyūsoku). This word is very similar to kyūkei but is slightly more literary and focuses on the 'stopping of movement' to ease tension. You might see it in a novel: 'Kokoro no kyūsoku' (Rest for the soul). It feels more poetic than the functional kyūkei or the medical kyūyō.

Comparison:
1. 休憩 (Kyūkei): Short, functional.
2. 休養 (Kyūyō): Substantial, restorative.
3. 休暇 (Kyūka): Planned, leisure-oriented.
4. 静養 (Seisoku): Quiet, medical-focused.

For physical rest specifically related to sleep, you have 就寝 (Shūshin) (going to bed) or 仮眠 (Kamin) (napping). If you are 'resting' because you are waiting for something to happen, you might use 待機 (Taiki) (standing by). As you can see, the 'rest' you choose depends entirely on why and how long you are stopping.

休止 (Kyūshi): This means 'suspension' or 'pause' and is used for machines, services, or activities rather than people's health. Example: 'Unten wo kyūshi suru' (To suspend operations).

In summary, kyūyō suru is the 'goldilocks' word for health recovery: more serious than a coffee break, more medical than a vacation, and more common in daily professional speech than the highly formal seisoku.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 養 (yō) contains the radical for 'sheep' (羊). In ancient China, sheep were symbols of nourishment and goodness because they provided both food and wool.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kjɯːjoː sɯɾɯ

US kjuːjoʊ sʊɹu

The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (Flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the initial rise.

Rhymes With

Goyō (misuse) Toyō (walking) Koyō (employment) Hōyō (embrace) Shūyō (training) Kōyō (public use) Dōyō (same) Tōyō (oriental)

Common Errors

Shortening the long vowels (saying 'kyuyo' instead of 'kyūyō').
Pronouncing 'u' in 'suru' too strongly (it's often nearly silent in 'shimasu').
Confusing the 'r' in 'suru' with an English 'L' or 'R'.
Putting stress on the wrong syllable.
Failing to blend the 'k' and 'y' in 'kyu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but the second one (養) has many strokes.

Writing 4/5

Writing 養 correctly requires attention to the sheep and food components.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as long vowels are maintained.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'kyūkei' or 'kyūka' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

休む (yasumu) 体 (karada) 健康 (kenkō) 必要 (hitsuyō) 仕事 (shigoto)

Learn Next

静養 (seisoku) 栄養 (eiyō) 回復 (kaifuku) 診断 (shindan) 休暇 (kyūka)

Advanced

療養 (ryōyō) 滋養 (jiyō) 休止 (kyūshi) 不養生 (buyōjō) 養護 (yōgo)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Group 3)

休養する (Dictionary), 休養します (Polite), 休養した (Past).

Nouns of duration + verb

三日間休養する (Rest for three days).

Reason + tame ni (for the sake of)

休養のために仕事を休む。

Honorifics with 'shite itadaku'

休養させていただきます。

Potential form (can)

忙しくて休養できない。

Examples by Level

今日は家で休養します。

Today I will rest at home.

Uses the polite form 'shimasu'.

休養は大切です。

Rest is important.

Here, 'kyūyō' is used as a noun.

ゆっくり休養してください。

Please take a good rest.

Uses '~shite kudasai' for a polite request.

体のために休養しましょう。

Let's rest for the sake of our bodies.

Uses '~shimashō' (let's).

彼は今、休養しています。

He is resting now.

Uses '~shite imasu' for an ongoing action.

十分な休養をとってください。

Please take sufficient rest.

Uses 'kyūyō wo toru' (to take rest).

休養して、元気になりました。

I rested and became energetic.

Uses the 'te-form' to connect two actions.

明日から三日間、休養する。

I will rest for three days starting tomorrow.

Uses the dictionary form 'suru' (informal).

風邪をひいたので、二、三日休養することにしました。

I caught a cold, so I decided to rest for a few days.

Uses '~koto ni shimashita' (decided to).

仕事が忙しすぎたので、休養が必要です。

I was too busy with work, so rest is necessary.

'Hitsuyō' (necessary) is a na-adjective.

週末はどこにも行かず、ゆっくり休養した。

I didn't go anywhere over the weekend and rested well.

Uses the past tense 'shita'.

母は病気の後、一ヶ月間休養しました。

My mother rested for a month after her illness.

Specifies a duration: 'ikkagetsu-kan'.

しっかり休養すれば、すぐによくなりますよ。

If you rest properly, you will get better soon.

Uses the conditional '~ba' (if).

スポーツの後は、筋肉の休養が不可欠です。

After sports, resting your muscles is essential.

'Fukaketsu' (essential) is a formal word.

彼は休養のために田舎へ行きました。

He went to the countryside for the sake of recuperation.

Uses 'no tame ni' (for the purpose of).

無理をしないで、休養をとるようにしてください。

Please try to take a rest without overdoing it.

Uses '~yō ni shite kudasai' (please make an effort to).

過労による体調不良のため、当面の間休養させていただきます。

Due to poor health from overwork, I will be taking a rest for the time being.

Uses the humble 'shisete itadakimasu'.

精神的な疲れを癒やすために、長期の休養をとることにした。

I decided to take a long-term rest to heal my mental fatigue.

'Iyasu' means to heal or soothe.

医師から一週間の自宅休養を命じられた。

I was ordered by the doctor to rest at home for a week.

Uses the passive 'meijirareta' (was ordered).

プロジェクトが一段落したので、数日休養する予定です。

The project has reached a stopping point, so I plan to rest for a few days.

'Ichidanraku' means to reach a stage or settle down.

休養期間中は、メールの返信が遅れることがあります。

During the recuperation period, email replies may be delayed.

'~chū' means 'during' or 'underway'.

心身ともにリフレッシュするためには、質の高い休養が欠かせない。

High-quality rest is indispensable for refreshing both mind and body.

'Shinshin' means mind and body.

怪我を早く治すには、患部を休養させることが第一だ。

To heal an injury quickly, the first priority is to let the affected area rest.

Uses the causative 'shisaseru' (to make/let rest).

彼は仕事の合間に上手く休養を取り入れている。

He skillfully incorporates rest into the intervals of his work.

'Toriireru' means to incorporate or take in.

その俳優は、過密スケジュールがたたり、休養を余儀なくされた。

The actor was forced to take a rest as a result of an overcrowded schedule.

'Yoginaku sareru' is a formal expression for 'having no choice but to'.

現代社会において、意識的に休養をとることは一つのスキルだ。

In modern society, taking rest consciously is a skill in itself.

'Ishiki-teki ni' means consciously or intentionally.

彼は静養も兼ねて、温泉地でしばらく休養することにした。

He decided to rest at a hot spring resort for a while, also for the purpose of quiet recuperation.

'~mo kanete' means 'also serving the purpose of'.

適切な休養が取れないと、生産性は著しく低下する。

If appropriate rest cannot be taken, productivity drops significantly.

'Ichijirushiku' is a formal adverb for 'remarkably' or 'significantly'.

休養明けの彼は、見違えるほど元気になっていた。

After returning from his rest, he was so energetic he was almost unrecognizable.

'~ake' refers to the period just after something ends.

燃え尽き症候群を防ぐためには、早期の休養が推奨される。

To prevent burnout syndrome, early recuperation is recommended.

'Suishō sareru' means 'is recommended'.

十分な休養は、創造的なアイデアを生むための土壌となる。

Sufficient rest serves as the soil for generating creative ideas.

Metaphorical use of 'dojō' (soil).

彼女は休養中、一切の仕事を断って回復に専念した。

While recuperating, she turned down all work and devoted herself to recovery.

'Sennen suru' means to devote oneself entirely to something.

長期政権の重圧から解放され、彼はようやく安らかな休養に入った。

Released from the pressure of a long-term administration, he finally entered a peaceful period of rest.

Uses 'kyūyō ni hairu' (to enter a period of rest).

ワークライフバランスの観点から、企業は従業員の休養の質を重視すべきだ。

From the perspective of work-life balance, companies should emphasize the quality of their employees' rest.

'Kanten' means perspective or viewpoint.

休養という概念は、単なる怠惰ではなく、生命の再生産プロセスである。

The concept of recuperation is not mere laziness, but a process of biological reproduction.

Highly academic and philosophical tone.

彼は病状の悪化を防ぐため、徹底した休養と加療に努めている。

To prevent his condition from worsening, he is striving for thorough rest and medical treatment.

'Karyō' refers to medical treatment.

トップアスリートにとって、休養はトレーニングと同じくらい戦略的な要素だ。

For top athletes, rest is as strategic an element as training itself.

'Senryaku-teki' means strategic.

過労死ラインを超える労働は、休養による回復の限界を超えている。

Labor that exceeds the 'karoushi line' surpasses the limits of recovery through rest.

Refers to a specific Japanese social issue (Karoushi).

休養を贅沢品ではなく、基本的人権として捉え直す必要がある。

It is necessary to re-conceptualize rest not as a luxury, but as a basic human right.

'Torae-naosu' means to re-evaluate or re-conceptualize.

心身の摩耗を放置すれば、いかなる休養も効果をなさない段階に至る。

If wear and tear of mind and body are left unaddressed, one reaches a stage where no amount of rest is effective.

'Mō (摩耗)' means wear and tear or abrasion.

歴史を紐解けば、偉大な思想家たちの多くが、隠遁という名の休養を通じて思索を深めてきたことがわかる。

If we unroll the scroll of history, we see that many great thinkers deepened their contemplation through periods of rest known as seclusion.

'Inton' (seclusion/hermitage) is a very high-level term.

経済至上主義の煽りを受け、我々は休養の真義を見失いつつあるのではないか。

Under the influence of economic supremacy, are we not losing sight of the true meaning of recuperation?

'Shijō-shugi' means supremacy or 'first-priority-ism'.

休養とは、自己の内部に沈潜し、精神の均衡を再構築する能動的な営みである。

Recuperation is an active endeavor of submerging into one's inner self and reconstructing the balance of the spirit.

'Chinsen' means to be submerged or engrossed.

社会構造そのものが、個人の休養を阻害するメカニズムを内包している点は否定できない。

It cannot be denied that the social structure itself contains mechanisms that hinder individual recuperation.

'Naihō suru' means to contain or involve.

彼は公務から退いた後、静謐な環境下で心ゆくまで休養を享受した。

After retiring from public service, he enjoyed recuperation to his heart's content in a serene environment.

'Seihitsu' (serenity) and 'kyōju' (enjoyment/possession) are N1+ terms.

休養の欠如がもたらす認知機能の減退は、不可逆的な損失を招きかねない。

The decline in cognitive function caused by a lack of rest could lead to irreversible losses.

'Fukagyaku-teki' means irreversible.

都市の喧騒を離れ、自然の摂理に身を委ねることは、最上の休養と言えよう。

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city and surrendering oneself to the providence of nature can be called the ultimate form of recuperation.

'Setsuri' (providence/natural law) is a philosophical term.

自己研鑽と休養の止揚こそが、持続可能な成長を実現する鍵となる。

The sublation (Aufheben) of self-improvement and rest is the key to achieving sustainable growth.

'Shiyō' is the philosophical term for Hegel's 'Aufheben'.

Common Collocations

十分な休養

休養が必要だ

長期の休養

自宅で休養する

心身の休養

休養を勧める

休養明け

休養期間

適切な休養

休養を余儀なくされる

Common Phrases

休養をとる

— To take a rest. This is the most standard way to use the noun form.

週末はしっかり休養をとりました。

休養に入る

— To enter a period of rest. Used for long-term absences.

その歌手は喉の治療のため休養に入った。

休養を命じる

— To order someone to rest. Usually said by a doctor or superior.

監督は選手に休養を命じた。

休養を促す

— To urge or encourage someone to rest.

産業医が社員に休養を促した。

休養を与える

— To give or grant rest to someone else.

馬に休養を与える。

休養に専念する

— To devote oneself entirely to recuperation.

今は仕事のことは忘れて休養に専念してください。

休養を挟む

— To insert a rest period between activities.

一時間の休養を挟んで再開する。

休養施設

— A facility for rest or recuperation, like a resort.

会社の休養施設を利用する。

休養日

— A scheduled day of rest.

月曜日はチームの休養日だ。

休養中

— Currently in a state of rest or on leave.

彼女は現在、病気で休養中です。

Often Confused With

休養する vs 休憩 (Kyūkei)

Kyūkei is for short breaks (minutes/hours); Kyūyō is for long-term recovery (days/weeks).

休養する vs 休暇 (Kyūka)

Kyūka is for planned vacations/holidays; Kyūyō is for medical or restorative rest.

休養する vs 休息 (Kyūsoku)

Kyūsoku is more literary and focuses on the 'pause' itself; Kyūyō focuses on the 'recovery' aspect.

Idioms & Expressions

"英気を養う (eiki wo yashinau)"

— To restore one's energy/spirit. This is a common idiomatic way to talk about the goal of kyūyō.

温泉に行って英気を養う。

Polite/Formal

"羽を伸ばす (hane wo nobasu)"

— To stretch one's wings; to relax and have fun after a period of restriction.

テストが終わったので、週末は羽を伸ばした。

Informal

"骨休め (honeyasume)"

— A 'bone rest'; a short break to recover from physical toil.

たまには骨休めも必要だ。

Casual

"一息つく (hitoiki tsuku)"

— To take a breath; to pause for a moment of relief.

仕事が一段落して一息ついた。

Neutral

"充電する (jūden suru)"

— To 'recharge' one's batteries (metaphorical).

連休は実家で充電してきた。

Informal

"骨折り損のくたびれ儲け (honeorizon no kutabire mōke)"

— All work and no play; great effort resulting only in exhaustion.

休養なしで働いても骨折り損のくたびれ儲けだ。

Proverbial

"命の洗濯 (inochi no sentaku)"

— Laundering one's life; a thorough refreshment of spirit through a trip or hobby.

旅行は最高の命の洗濯だ。

Idiomatic

"心を休める (kokoro wo yasumeru)"

— To rest one's heart/mind.

音楽を聴いて心を休める。

Neutral

"体を労わる (karada wo itawaru)"

— To take care of or be kind to one's body.

もっと自分の体を労わってください。

Polite

"腰を据える (koshi wo sueru)"

— To settle down; though often meaning to work seriously, it can mean settling down for a long rest.

腰を据えて休養する。

Neutral

Easily Confused

休養する vs 急用 (Kyūyō)

Homophone (same pronunciation).

急用 means 'urgent business' (急 - urgent, 用 - business). 休養 means 'rest' (休 - rest, 養 - nurture).

急用ができたので帰ります。 (I'm going home because urgent business came up.)

休養する vs 給与 (Kyūyo)

Very similar pronunciation (short 'o' at the end).

給与 means 'salary' or 'allowance'. 休養 has a long 'ō'.

給与明細を確認する。 (Check the salary slip.)

休養する vs 教養 (Kyōyō)

Similar sound.

教養 means 'culture' or 'education'.

彼は教養がある。 (He is well-educated/cultured.)

休養する vs 強要 (Kyōyō)

Similar sound.

強要 means 'coercion' or 'extortion'.

無理な仕事を強要する。 (To force unreasonable work.)

休養する vs 許容 (Kyoyō)

Similar sound.

許容 means 'permission' or 'tolerance'.

許容範囲を超える。 (To exceed the tolerance level.)

Sentence Patterns

[Reason] から休養します。

疲れたから休養します。

[Duration] の休養が必要です。

二週間の休養が必要です。

[Person] は [Reason] のため休養に入りました。

彼は病気のため休養に入りました。

しっかり休養をとったほうがいいです。

しっかり休養をとったほうがいいですよ。

[Activity] を中断して休養する。

ツアーを中断して休養する。

休養を余儀なくされる。

彼は休養を余儀なくされた。

休養を贅沢とみなすべきではない。

休養を通じて自己を再構築する。

Word Family

Nouns

休養 (kyūyō) - Rest/Recuperation

休養所 (kyūyōjo) - A place for rest

休養日 (kyūyōbi) - Day of rest

Verbs

休養する (kyūyō suru) - To recuperate

Adjectives

休養的な (kyūyō-teki na) - Restful/Recuperative

休息 (kyūsoku)

休暇 (kyūka)

休憩 (kyūkei)

静養 (seisoku)

養生 (yōjō)

How to Use It

frequency

High in media, medical, and professional contexts; moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kyūyō' for a 10-minute break. → 休憩 (kyūkei) する
'Kyūyō' is too heavy and serious for a short break. It implies a long recovery period.
Using 'kyūyō' for a fun vacation. → 休暇 (kyūka) をとる
'Kyūyō' implies illness or exhaustion. If you are going to Disney World, it's 'kyūka'.
Confusing 'kyūyō' (rest) with 'kyūyō' (urgent business). → Contextual check.
These are homophones. 'Kyūyō ga dekita' usually means 'urgent business came up'.
Saying 'kyūyō suru' for going to sleep at night. → 寝る (neru) / 就寝する (shūshin suru)
'Kyūyō' is a period of recovery, not the daily act of sleeping.
Forgetting the long vowel 'ō'. → 休養 (kyūyō)
Saying 'kyūyo' can make people think you are talking about your salary (給与).

Tips

Use for Health

Always associate 'kyūyō' with health recovery. If you aren't talking about getting better, 'yasumu' or 'kyūka' is likely better.

Suru-Verb

Remember it's a suru-verb. You can use it as a noun (kyūyō) or a verb (kyūyō suru).

Social Legitimacy

In Japan, saying you need 'kyūyō' sounds more legitimate and less like you are 'slacking off' compared to just saying you want to 'yasumu'.

Long Vowels

Focus on the long 'o' at the end. 'Kyūyō' vs 'Kyūyo' (salary) is a common mistake for learners.

Nurture Component

The 'yō' in 'kyūyō' is the same as in 'eiyō' (nutrition). Think of rest as food for your body.

Medical Settings

If a doctor tells you to 'kyūyō shite kudasai,' they are giving you a medical order to stop working.

Kyūyō vs Kyūkei

Kyūkei = 15 mins. Kyūyō = 15 days. That's a good rule of thumb for the scale.

Formal Announcements

If you see '休養のお知らせ' (Notice of Recuperation) on a shop or website, it means they are closed for health reasons.

Kanji Recognition

Look for the sheep (羊) inside the second kanji to quickly identify 'kyūyō'.

Softening with Yukkuri

Add 'yukkuri' (slowly/leisurely) before 'kyūyō suru' to sound more natural and less clinical.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **Man** (亻) leaning against a **Tree** (木) to **Rest** (休), while feeding a **Sheep** (羊) some **Food** (食) to **Nurture** (養) it. Rest and Nurture = Kyūyō.

Visual Association

Picture a 'Battery Recharging' icon. The battery is your body, and the charging cable is the 'Kyūyō'.

Word Web

Health Bed Doctor Recovery Sleep Nutrition Stress-free Onsen

Challenge

Try to use 'kyūyō suru' in a sentence explaining why you can't go to a party, making it sound like a medical necessity.

Word Origin

Kyūyō is a Sino-Japanese compound (kango) that entered the Japanese language through classical Chinese texts.

Original meaning: The combination of 'rest' and 'nurture' meant to stop working and provide the body with what it needs to grow strong again.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking someone if they are 'kyūyō-chū' (in recuperation), as it implies they are seriously ill. It's better to wait for them to disclose it.

English speakers might use 'recuperate' or 'convalesce,' but these are rarer in daily speech than 'kyūyō' is in Japanese.

Official hiatus announcements of J-pop groups like Arashi. Health leave announcements for famous manga artists like Yoshihiro Togashi (Hunter x Hunter). Public service announcements during the 'Golden Week' holidays.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

休養が必要です。
自宅で休養してください。
どのくらい休養が必要ですか？
仕事は休んで休養に専念してください。

In a News Report

体調不良で休養を発表。
無期限の休養に入る。
休養から復帰する。
ファンのために休養をとる。

At the Workplace

休養をいただきます。
彼は今休養中です。
休養を勧める。
十分な休養をとってから戻ってください。

Sports Commentary

エース投手を休養させる。
休養明けの登板。
コンディション維持のための休養。
主力選手に休養を与える。

Personal Wellness

心身の休養のために旅行する。
週末は休養に充てる。
休養の質を高める。
デジタルデトックスで休養する。

Conversation Starters

"最近、ちゃんと休養できていますか？ (Have you been able to rest properly lately?)"

"休養が必要だと思ったら、どうしていますか？ (What do you do when you think you need recuperation?)"

"最高の休養方法は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the best way to recuperate?)"

"仕事が忙しい時、どうやって休養の時間を作りますか？ (When work is busy, how do you make time for rest?)"

"日本では休養をとることが難しいと感じますか？ (Do you feel it's difficult to take rest in Japan?)"

Journal Prompts

先週の休養について書いてください。 (Write about your rest/recuperation last week.)

理想的な休養の一日を想像して書いてください。 (Imagine and write about your ideal day of recuperation.)

なぜ現代人にとって休養が大切なのか、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on why rest is important for modern people.)

あなたが今までで一番休養が必要だった時のことを書いてください。 (Write about a time when you needed rest the most.)

「休養」と「怠慢（たいまん - laziness）」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between 'rest' and 'laziness'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would be very strange. For a lunch break, use 'kyūkei' or 'hiruyasumi'. 'Kyūyō' implies you are sick or extremely exhausted and need days to recover.

Yes, it is a formal word. However, if you are telling your boss you are taking a break, it's better to say 'kyūyōさせていただきます' (I will humbly take a rest) or 'kyūyōをいただきます'.

'Yasumi' is the general word for any kind of rest or day off. 'Kyūyō' is specifically for recuperation. All 'kyūyō' is 'yasumi', but not all 'yasumi' (like a fun trip) is 'kyūyō'.

It is written as 休養. The first part is 'rest' (休) and the second is 'nurture' (養).

Usually, we use 'kyūshi' (休止) for machines or services. However, in poetic or personified speech, you might say a machine needs 'kyūyō,' but it's not standard.

Yes, it is very commonly used for mental health breaks. Phrases like 'seishin-teki na kyuuyou' (mental rest) are standard.

Often, yes, or at least staying home and doing nothing strenuous. It implies a lack of activity to allow for healing.

Only if the vacation's sole purpose is health recovery (like going to a medical spa). If the purpose is fun, use 'kyūka'.

Yes, you will hear it frequently on the news and in professional environments in Japan.

The most direct opposite is 'katsudō' (activity) or 'rōdō' (labor).