休憩する
When you stop working or doing an activity for a short time to rest.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! 休憩する (kyūkei suru) is a Japanese verb that means 'to take a break'. Imagine you are playing a game, and you stop for a little while to drink water. That stop is a 休憩. It’s like saying 'let's rest!' in English. You can use this word when you need a short rest from doing something, like studying or working. It’s a simple way to say you need a pause.
The Japanese verb 休憩する (kyūkei suru) means 'to take a break' or 'to take a rest'. It’s used when you pause an activity, like work or study, for a short period. For example, after working for a few hours, you might say, 「休憩します。」 (Kyūkei shimasu.) which means 'I will take a break.' It’s a common and useful verb for everyday situations when you need to stop and relax for a moment before continuing.
休憩する (kyūkei suru) is a versatile Japanese verb meaning 'to take a break' or 'to take a rest'. It’s used in various contexts, from professional settings to personal activities. You might use it to announce a break during a meeting, like 「では、ここで休憩しましょう。」 (Dewa, koko de kyūkei shimashō. - 'Now, let's take a break here.'). It implies a temporary cessation of activity for recuperation. Understanding when and how to use 休憩する is important for navigating daily life and professional interactions in Japan.
The Japanese verb 休憩する (kyūkei suru) denotes the act of taking a break or recess. It signifies a deliberate pause in an ongoing activity, such as work, study, or even a long journey, to allow for rest and recovery. Unlike more casual terms for resting, 休憩する often implies a scheduled or recognized break period. For example, in a workplace, 「休憩時間に入ります」 (Kyūkei jikan ni hairimasu) means 'We are now entering the break time.' Mastering this verb allows for more nuanced communication regarding schedules and personal time management.
休憩する (kyūkei suru), meaning 'to take a break' or 'to recess', is a fundamental verb in Japanese, applicable across a wide spectrum of formality. While it can be used in everyday conversation, its presence in formal contexts like business meetings or academic lectures highlights its significance. The nuance lies in its implication of a structured pause, distinct from spontaneous rest. Consider its use in scheduling: 「会議は午後1時から再開しますが、それまで休憩といたします。」 (Kaigi wa gogo ichi-ji kara saikai shimasu ga, sore made kyūkei to itashimasu. - 'The meeting will resume at 1 PM, but until then, we will take a break.') This usage demonstrates a formal declaration of a break period.
The verb 休憩する (kyūkei suru), translating to 'to take a break' or 'to recess', embodies a concept deeply integrated into the rhythm of Japanese life, from work culture to leisure. Its etymology, derived from Chinese characters signifying 'cessation' and 'rest', points to a deliberate pause rather than mere inactivity. In advanced contexts, 休憩する can carry connotations of strategic recovery, crucial for sustained performance or mental clarity. It's employed in scenarios demanding formal acknowledgement of a pause, such as announcing recess in parliamentary sessions or concluding a work segment. The phrase 「十分な休憩を取る」 (Jūbun na kyūkei o toru - 'to take a sufficient break') underscores the cultural value placed on adequate rest for optimal function, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of productivity and well-being.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 休憩する (kyūkei suru) means 'to take a break'.
- It's a common verb used during activities like work or study.
- It implies a temporary pause, distinct from long-term time off.
- Often paired with collocations like 休憩を取る (to take a break).
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese verb 休憩する (kyūkei suru). It's a super useful word that translates directly to 'to take a break' or 'to rest'. Think of it as hitting the pause button on whatever you're doing, whether it's a tough workout, a long study session, or a demanding day at work. It’s all about giving yourself a moment to relax and regain your strength before diving back in.
The concept behind 休憩する is fundamental to productivity and well-being. Our brains and bodies aren't designed to go non-stop! Taking a break, or 休憩, allows for mental clarity, physical recovery, and can even boost creativity. It's not about laziness; it's a smart strategy to perform better in the long run. So, whether you're learning Japanese or just want to understand daily life in Japan, knowing 休憩する is key!
This verb is incredibly versatile. You can use it in almost any situation where a pause is needed. From a quick coffee break at the office to a longer rest during a hike, 休憩する fits perfectly. It’s a friendly reminder that taking care of yourself is just as important as the task at hand. So next time you feel tired, remember to 休憩する!
The word 休憩 (kyūkei) itself is a beautiful example of Sino-Japanese vocabulary, meaning it originates from Chinese characters (kanji). The character 休 (kyū) means 'rest' or 'holiday', and 継 (kei) means 'to continue' or 'to succeed'. However, in this compound, 継 (kei) actually carries the nuance of 'to pause' or 'to cease temporarily' rather than 'continue'. So, 休憩 literally means something like 'a temporary cessation for rest'.
The verb form, 休憩する (kyūkei suru), is created by adding the common Japanese verb suffix する (suru), which means 'to do'. This turns the noun 'rest' into the action 'to take a rest'. This pattern of adding する to nouns is very common in Japanese, allowing for a vast vocabulary of verbs. For example, 勉強 (benkyō - study) becomes 勉強する (benkyō suru - to study).
Historically, the concept of taking breaks has evolved across cultures. In agricultural societies, rest was often dictated by seasons or daylight. With the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the modern workplace, the idea of scheduled breaks became more formalized. The Japanese term 休憩する encapsulates this modern understanding of a necessary pause in activity, reflecting a cultural appreciation for both diligence and well-being.
休憩する is a go-to verb for indicating a pause in activity. You'll hear it used in many contexts, from casual conversations to more formal work environments. For instance, a teacher might announce, 「では、10分間休憩しましょう。」 (Dewa, jippunkan kyūkei shimashō. - 'Alright, let's take a 10-minute break.').
It pairs naturally with time expressions. You might take a short break (短い休憩 - mijikai kyūkei) or a long break (長い休憩 - nagai kyūkei). Common phrases include 「休憩をとる」 (kyūkei o toru - to take a break), which is a very frequent collocation. You can also say 「休憩に入る」 (kyūkei ni hairu - to enter a break) or 「休憩を終える」 (kyūkei o oeru - to end a break).
The formality level is generally neutral to slightly formal, making it suitable for most situations. In very casual settings among close friends, you might hear simpler expressions like 「ちょっと休もう」 (chotto yasumō - let's rest a bit), but 休憩する is always a safe and widely understood choice. Think about when you'd say 'take a break' in English – that's usually when 休憩する is appropriate in Japanese.
While 休憩する itself isn't typically part of a specific idiom, the concept of 'rest' or 'break' is woven into many Japanese expressions. Here are a few related ideas:
一息つく (hitoiki tsuku): This literally means 'to take a breath' but is commonly used to mean 'to take a short break', 'to relax for a moment', or 'to catch one's breath'. It implies a brief, often spontaneous, pause.Example: 仕事の合間に一息つきました。 (Shigoto no aima ni hitoiki tsukimashita. - I took a short break between work tasks.)
息抜き (ikinuki): This refers to 'a break for relaxation', 'a change of pace', or 'a diversion'. It emphasizes doing something enjoyable to relieve stress.Example: 週末は趣味の時間で息抜きをします。 (Shūmatsu wa shumi no jikan de ikinuki o shimasu. - On weekends, I relax by spending time on my hobbies.)
小休止 (shōkyūshi): Similar to 休憩, this means 'a short rest' or 'a brief pause'. It often implies a very short break, perhaps just a few minutes.Example: 会議の前に小休止を取りましょう。 (Kaigi no mae ni shōkyūshi o torimashō. - Let's take a short break before the meeting.)
骨休め (honeyasume): This idiom means 'rest and relaxation', literally 'bone-resting'. It suggests a more thorough break, often taken after hard work or travel, to recover completely.Example: 長旅の後は骨休めが必要です。 (Nagatabi no ato wa honeyasume ga hitsuyō desu. - After a long trip, rest and relaxation are necessary.)
腰を据える (koshi o sueru): While not directly meaning 'break', this idiom means 'to settle down', 'to take one's time', or 'to commit oneself to a task'. It implies a period of focused work *after* any necessary breaks.Example: まずは腰を据えて、このレポートを完成させよう。 (Mazu wa koshi o suete, kono repōto o kansei saseyou. - First, let's settle down and complete this report.)
As a verb, 休憩する follows standard Japanese conjugation patterns. It's a 'suru-verb', meaning it conjugates like other verbs ending in する. For example:
- Present/Future: 休憩します (kyūkei shimasu) - I will take a break.
- Past: 休憩しました (kyūkei shimashita) - I took a break.
- Te-form: 休憩して (kyūkei shite) - Taking a break (used for connecting clauses or requests).
- Potential: 休憩できる (kyūkei dekiru) - Can take a break.
- Volitional: 休憩しよう (kyūkei shiyō) - Let's take a break.
Pronunciation:
The word is pronounced roughly as kyoo-keh-ee soo-roo.
- きゅ (kyu): Like the 'cue' in 'cue ball', but shorter.
- う (u): A long 'oo' sound, like in 'food'. So, きゅう sounds like 'kyoo'.
- け (ke): Like the 'ke' in 'kettle'.
- い (i): Like the 'ee' in 'see'. So, けい sounds like 'keh-ee'.
- す (su): Like the 'sue' in 'sue', but the 'u' is often devoiced or very light.
- る (ru): A light 'roo' sound, similar to the Spanish 'r' or the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'.
IPA (approximate):
- British English: /kʲuːˈkeɪ ˈsɯ.ɾɯ/
- American English: /kjuˈkeɪ ˈsʊ.ɾu/
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes in English are tricky due to the Japanese pronunciation, words ending in '-suru' share the final sound. Examples include 勉強する (benkyō suru), 料理する (ryōri suru), and 運転する (unten suru).
Stress: Japanese is largely a pitch-accent language, not stress-accent like English. However, you can think of the emphasis falling slightly on the 'kei' and 'su' syllables: kyūKEI SUru.
Fun Fact
While 継 (kei) can mean 'to continue', in the word 休憩, it carries the nuance of 'pausing' or 'temporarily stopping', making it a specific type of rest.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a 'kyoo' sound, followed by 'keh-ee', then 'soo' (with a light 'u'), and ends with a soft 'roo' sound.
Similar to UK, with 'kyoo-keh-ee soo-roo', the 'u' in 'su' might be slightly more pronounced than in UK English.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'kyu' as 'ku'.
- Making the 'u' sound in 'suru' too strong.
- Not clearly distinguishing the 'e' and 'i' in 'kei'.
- Adding an English 'r' sound to 'ru'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context.
Straightforward conjugation.
Commonly used, pronunciation is manageable.
Frequently heard in daily life.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-Verb Conjugation
休憩する -> 休憩します (present polite)
Using Nouns with Particles (を, に)
休憩を取る (kyūkei o toru), 休憩に入る (kyūkei ni hairu)
Expressing Purpose (ために)
集中するために休憩する (Shūchū suru tame ni kyūkei suru - To take a break in order to concentrate)
Examples by Level
仕事の後、休憩します。
Work after, break will-do.
します is the polite form of 'do'.
ちょっと休憩しましょう。
Little break let's-do.
ましょう is used for polite suggestions like 'let's'.
休憩は５分です。
Break is 5 minutes.
です is the polite copula 'is/am/are'.
休憩の後、また勉強します。
Break after, again study will-do.
後 means 'after'.
疲れたから、休憩したい。
Tired because, break want-to-do.
たい means 'want to'.
ここに休憩場所がありますか？
Here break place is-there?
か is the question particle.
休憩時間です！
Break time is!
です is the polite copula 'is/am/are'.
休憩が終わりました。
Break finished.
ました is the polite past tense marker.
長時間の運転で疲れたので、少し休憩しました。
Long-time driving by tired because, little break did.
ので indicates reason.
会議の途中で５分間の休憩がありました。
Meeting's middle during 5-minute break was.
間 indicates duration.
映画の途中で休憩時間がありますか？
Movie's middle during break time is-there?
か is the question particle.
仕事が終わったら、ゆっくり休憩したいです。
Work finishes-when, slowly break want-to-do am.
たら indicates a condition 'when/if'.
この公園は休憩するのに良い場所です。
This park rest for good place is.
のに indicates purpose.
休憩を取って、また頑張りましょう。
Break take, again let's-try-hard.
ましょう is a polite suggestion.
昼食の後、少し休憩してから午後の仕事に戻ります。
Lunch after, little break after-then afternoon's work to-return.
てから indicates sequence of actions.
彼はいつも昼休みに仮眠を取って休憩する。
He always lunch-break during nap take break-does.
習慣 (habit) is implied.
毎日の仕事で疲れているので、週末はゆっくり休憩するのが楽しみです。
Everyday work by tired am because, weekend is slowly break doing is joy.
の is used as a nominalizer.
試験の前に、少し休憩を挟んで気分転換をしました。
Exam's before, little break insert mood-change did.
挟む (hasamu) means 'to insert/interject'.
このプロジェクトは長丁場になるので、定期的に休憩を取ることが重要です。
This project long-haul become-so, regularly break take is important.
ことが indicates the act of doing something.
休憩時間中、同僚たちと雑談をしました。
Break time during, colleagues with chatting did.
中 indicates 'during'.
疲労回復のため、十分な休憩が必要です。
Fatigue-recovery for, sufficient break is-necessary.
ため indicates purpose.
彼は集中力を維持するために、1時間ごとに短い休憩を取るようにしている。
He concentration maintain for, 1 hour every short break takeするようにしている.
ようにしている indicates making an effort to do something.
休憩に入りますので、しばらくお待ちください。
Break enter-will-do so, for-a-while please-wait.
ので indicates reason.
この作業は複雑なので、途中で休憩を挟むことをお勧めします。
This task is-complex so, middle during break insert is-recommended.
ことをお勧めします is a polite recommendation.
長時間のデスクワークで肩が凝ったため、意識的に休憩を挟み、ストレッチを行うようにしている。
Long-time desk work by shoulders stiffened because, consciously break insert, stretching performするようにしている.
意識的に (ishiki-teki ni) means 'consciously'.
この研修プログラムは非常に密度が高いので、参加者には適度な休憩が推奨される。
This training program is very density high because, participants to appropriate break is-recommended.
密度が高い (mitsudo ga takai) means 'high density/intensive'.
彼は、作業効率を最大化するために、ポモドーロ・テクニックのように、決まった時間に短い休憩を取ることを好む。
He, work efficiency maximize for, Pomodoro Technique like, fixed time short break take is-fond-of.
〜ように (yō ni) here implies 'in the manner of'.
休憩時間中に喫煙所へ行く人が多いが、健康のためには禁煙を心がけ、休憩中はリラックスに専念すべきだ。
Break time during smoking area to go people many but, health for is smoking-ban strive, break during relaxation focus-on should.
専念する (sennen suru) means 'to devote oneself to'.
このプロジェクトの遅延は、予期せぬ問題によるものであり、作業チームは十分な休憩を取る時間がなかった。
This project's delay is, unexpected problems due to is, work team sufficient break take time did-not-have.
〜によるものだ indicates the cause.
激しい運動の後には、筋肉の回復を促すために、十分な休憩と栄養補給が不可欠である。
Intense exercise after is, muscle's recovery promote for, sufficient break and nutrition-intake is-essential.
不可欠 (fukaketsu) means 'essential/indispensable'.
彼は、単に休憩するだけでなく、その時間を自己啓発に充てることで、常にスキルアップを図っている。
He, simply break do not-only, that time self-development on allocate by, always skill-improvement aims-at.
〜だけでなく〜も (dake de naku... mo) means 'not only... but also'.
休憩を提案する際、相手の状況を考慮し、可能な限り柔軟に対応することが求められる。
Break propose when,相手's situation consider, possible as much as flexible respond is-required.
柔軟に対応する (jūnan ni taiō suru) means 'to respond flexibly'.
長時間の没頭の後には、意識的な休憩を挟むことで、むしろ作業の質が向上するという研究結果もある。
Long-time immersion after is, conscious break insert by, rather work's quality improves that research result also is.
没頭 (bottō) means 'immersion/absorption'.
過密なスケジュールの中では、休憩時間を削りがちだが、それは長期的な生産性の低下を招きかねない。
Overcrowded schedule within is, break time cut-tend but, that long-term productivity's decline invite-may.
〜かねない (kanenai) means 'may/might possibly do (often negative)'.
彼は、単なる休息ではなく、内省と再計画のための戦略的休憩として捉えているようだ。
He, mere rest is-not, introspection and replanning for strategic break as grasp seems.
内省 (naisei) means 'introspection'.
労働者のウェルビーイングを考慮する上で、休憩の質と量、そしてその取得のしやすさは重要な要素となる。
Workers' well-being consider in, break's quality and quantity, and its acquisition's ease are important factors become.
ウェルビーイング (werubīingu) is the loanword for 'well-being'.
この芸術作品は、鑑賞者に一時的な休憩を促し、日常からの逃避を可能にする。
This artwork, viewer to temporary break encourage, daily life from escape enable does.
鑑賞者 (kanshôsha) means 'viewer/appreciator'.
会議の進行が滞ったため、議長は一時的な休憩を宣言し、事態の収拾を図った。
Meeting's progress stalled because, chairperson temporary break declare, situation's resolution attempted.
滞る (todokooru) means 'to be stagnant/delayed'.
彼は、燃え尽き症候群を避けるため、意図的に仕事から距離を置き、精神的な休憩期間を設けている。
He, burnout syndrome avoid for, intentionally work from distance place, mental break period establish-is-doing.
燃え尽き症候群 (moetsuki shōkōgun) means 'burnout syndrome'.
休憩中にスマートフォンを長時間使用することは、かえって疲労を蓄積させ、集中力の回復を妨げる可能性がある。
Break during smartphone long-time use is, on the contrary fatigue accumulate cause, concentration's recovery hinder possibility has.
かえって (kaette) means 'on the contrary/rather'.
現代社会における生産性向上の議論では、単なる作業時間の延長ではなく、質の高い休憩の重要性が再認識されつつある。
Modern society in productivity improvement's discussion, mere work time's extension is-not, high-quality break's importance is-being-re-recognized.
再認識されつつある (sai-ninshiki saretsu aru) means 'is gradually being re-recognized'.
彼の芸術的探求は、しばしば制作活動の合間に設けられる瞑想的な休憩を通じて、新たな境地へと到達する。
His artistic exploration is, often creation activity's interval in set meditative break through, new realm towards reaches.
瞑想的 (meisō-teki) means 'meditative'.
長時間労働が常態化する中で、労働者が自発的に休憩を確保することは、個人のレジリエンスを高める上で不可欠な要素となっている。
Long-term labor habitual-become within, workers voluntarily break secure is, individual's resilience enhance in indispensable element become-is-doing.
レジリエンス (rejiriensu) is the loanword for 'resilience'.
この文学作品における主人公の「休憩」は、単なる身体的休息を超え、自己との対峙と再生の象徴として描かれている。
This literary work in protagonist's 'break' is, mere physical rest exceed, self with confrontation and regeneration's symbol as depicted is.
対峙 (taiji) means 'confrontation'.
テクノロジーの進化は、場所を選ばない働き方を可能にしたが、同時に、意図的な休憩を意識的に設けることの難しさも浮き彫りにしている。
Technology's evolution is, place choose-not work style enable did but, simultaneously, intentional break consciously establish's difficulty also highlights.
浮き彫りにする (ukibori ni suru) means 'to highlight/bring into relief'.
彼の講義は、聴衆の集中力が途切れないよう、巧みに休憩を挿入することで、常に高いエンゲージメントを維持していた。
His lecture is, audience's concentration not-break so, skillfully break insert by, always high engagement maintain did.
エンゲージメント (engējimento) is the loanword for 'engagement'.
現代のワークライフバランスの観点からは、休憩は権利であると同時に、創造性と生産性を維持するための投資と見なされるべきである。
Modern work-life balance's viewpoint from, break is right is at-same-time, creativity and productivity maintain for investment as regarded should be.
見なされる (minasareru) means 'to be regarded as/considered'.
この歴史的建造物の保存修復作業においては、職人たちの過酷な労働条件を考慮し、安全確保のためにも十分な休憩時間の確保が最優先事項とされた。
This historical building's preservation-restoration work in, artisans' harsh working conditions consider, safety assurance for also sufficient break time's securing is highest-priority matter was-made.
最優先事項 (saiyūsen jikō) means 'highest priority matter'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"一息つく (hitoiki tsuku)"
To take a short break, catch one's breath, relax for a moment.
忙しい仕事の合間に、少し一息つきましょう。
Casual/Neutral"息抜きをする (ikinuki o suru)"
To take a break for relaxation or as a change of pace; to unwind.
週末は趣味に時間を費やして息抜きをします。
Casual/Neutral"骨休め (honeyasume)"
Rest and relaxation, especially after hard work or travel; to recuperate.
長旅の疲れを癒すために、しばらく骨休めをしたい。
Neutral"腰を据える (koshi o sueru)"
To settle down and commit to a task; implies taking time and focus after any necessary breaks.
まずは腰を据えて、この難問に取り組もう。
Neutral"肩の荷が下りる (kata no ni ga oriru)"
To feel relieved of a burden or responsibility; often happens after a difficult task is completed, allowing for rest.
プロジェクトが完了し、肩の荷が下りた気がする。
Neutral/Figurative"一日の長 (ichinichi no chō)"
Superiority due to experience; implies that someone who has more experience might know when and how to take breaks effectively.
経験豊富な彼には、この作業の進め方で一日の長がある。
Neutral/ProverbialEasily Confused
Both relate to rest.
休む is general (rest, sleep, take time off). 休憩する is specific to taking a temporary pause *during* an activity.
今日は会社を休んだ。(Kyō wa kaisha o yasunda. - I took the day off work today.) vs. 仕事の合間に休憩した。(Shigoto no aima ni kyūkei shita. - I took a break between work tasks.)
Both mean 'rest'.
休憩 (kyūkei) is a common, practical break during activity. 休息 (kyūsoku) is more formal, often implying recovery from illness, deep repose, or a more official recess.
十分な休息が必要だ。(Jūbun na kyūsoku ga hitsuyō da. - Sufficient rest is necessary - often medical context) vs. 会議の前に休憩しましょう。(Kaigi no mae ni kyūkei shimashō. - Let's take a break before the meeting.)
Both refer to taking a short pause.
一息つく is more idiomatic and implies a very brief, often spontaneous, moment to catch one's breath or relax. 休憩する is a more direct term for a scheduled or recognized break.
疲れたので、一息つきました。(Tsukareta node, hitoiki tsukimashita. - I was tired, so I took a moment to rest.) vs. 10分休憩します。(Juppun kyūkei shimasu. - I will take a 10-minute break.)
Both involve not working.
サボる is slang for slacking off, skipping work/duties without permission. 休憩する is a legitimate, often necessary, pause.
彼は授業をサボった。(Kare wa jugyō o sabotta. - He skipped class.) vs. 授業の途中で休憩した。(Jugyō no tochū de kyūkei shita. - I took a break during class.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 取る (kyūkei o toru)
疲れたので、休憩を取りました。
Noun + しましょう (kyūkei shimashō)
さあ、休憩しましょう。
Noun + の + 時間 (kyūkei no jikan)
休憩の時間です。
Noun + に + 入る (kyūkei ni hairu)
では、休憩に入ります。
Noun + を + 終える (kyūkei o oeru)
休憩を終えて、また始めましょう。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
休む is a general term for rest and can mean sleeping or taking time off entirely. 休憩する specifically implies a temporary pause in an activity, often in a work or study context.
休憩 is common for work/study breaks, while 休息 is more formal, often implying recovery from illness or deep rest.
While 休憩する is understood, it can sound slightly too formal among close friends. Casual alternatives are more natural.
Learners might mistakenly treat it like an ichidan or godan verb, applying the wrong endings.
休憩する is for a break *during* work/activity, not for taking a day or more off.
Tips
Sound Association
Break down 休憩 (kyūkei) into 'cue-key'. Imagine you need a 'cue' (like in pool) to signal it's time for your 'key' break!
The Art of the Pause
In Japan, taking appropriate breaks (休憩) is seen as essential for maintaining focus and productivity, not as slacking off.
Suru-Verb Power
Treat 休憩する like other suru-verbs (勉強する, 料理する). Conjugate it by changing する: します, しました, して, etc.
Light 'U' Sound
Pay attention to the 'u' in 'suru'. It's often very light or almost silent in natural speech. Aim for 'su-ru' rather than 'soo-roo'.
Don't Confuse with 'Time Off'
Avoid using 休憩する when you mean taking a day off work. For that, use 休みを取る (yasumi o toru) or simply 休む (yasumu).
Etymology Insight
The character 継 (kei) in 休憩 originally meant 'to continue', but here it signifies 'pausing', showing how kanji meanings can adapt within compounds.
Active Recall Practice
After reading this, try to write down 5 sentences using 休憩する without looking. Test yourself regularly!
Pairing with Time
Often used with time phrases like 10分 (juppun - 10 minutes) or 少し (sukoshi - a little). Example: 10分休憩します (Juppun kyūkei shimasu).
Nominalization Trick
You can use 休憩する in nominalized form: 休憩すること (kyūkei suru koto - the act of taking a break). Example: 休憩することは大切です (Kyūkei suru koto wa taisetsu desu - Taking a break is important).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Cue-key' (sounds like 'kyūkei') - like you need a 'cue' to take a 'key' break!
Visual Association
Imagine a large red button labeled '休憩' (Kyūkei) that you press to pause a busy scene.
Word Web
Challenge
Try saying '休憩します' (Kyūkei shimasu) every time you stand up from your desk today.
Word Origin
Chinese (Kanji)
Original meaning: 休 (rest) + 継 (continue/pause) = A temporary cessation for rest.
Cultural Context
Generally no specific cultural sensitivity, but respecting designated break times is important in professional settings.
In English-speaking cultures, breaks are common in workplaces and schools, often scheduled (e.g., coffee break, lunch break). The concept is universally understood.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work/Office
- 休憩を取ります。(Kyūkei o torimasu.) - I'll take a break.
- 休憩時間は何時までですか？ (Kyūkei jikan wa nanji made desu ka? - Until what time is the break?)
- 休憩室はどこですか？ (Kyūkeishitsu wa doko desu ka? - Where is the break room?)
At School/Studying
- ちょっと休憩しましょう。(Chotto kyūkei shimashō.) - Let's take a short break.
- 休憩の後、また勉強を始めます。(Kyūkei no ato, mata benkyō o hajimemasu. - After the break, I'll start studying again.)
- 集中するために休憩が必要です。(Shūchū suru tame ni kyūkei ga hitsuyō desu. - I need a break to concentrate.)
During Travel/Activities
- ここで少し休憩しましょう。(Koko de sukoshi kyūkei shimashō. - Let's take a short break here.)
- 長旅なので、休憩を取りながら進みます。(Nagatabi nanode, kyūkei o tori nagara susumimasu. - It's a long trip, so we'll proceed while taking breaks.)
- 休憩場所はありますか？ (Kyūkei basho wa arimasu ka? - Is there a place to rest?)
Announcing a Break
- では、15分休憩します。(Dewa, jūgo-fun kyūkei shimasu. - Alright, we will take a 15-minute break.)
- ここで休憩に入ります。(Koko de kyūkei ni hairimasu. - We will now enter the break.)
- 休憩は以上です。(Kyūkei wa ijō desu. - That concludes the break.)
Conversation Starters
"今日の仕事（勉強）は大変だったね。ちょっと休憩しない？"
"疲れたから、どこかで一休み（休憩）したいな。"
"このプロジェクト、長丁場になりそうだから、定期的に休憩を取ろう。"
"週末は何をして過ごす予定？リラックスして休憩する時間はある？"
"会議の途中だけど、少し休憩を挟みませんか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you really needed a break (休憩). What did you do?
How do you usually take breaks during long tasks? What works best for you?
Write about the importance of taking breaks (休憩) for your productivity and well-being.
Imagine you could design the perfect break room (休憩室). What would it be like?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions休憩する specifically means to take a temporary break *during* an activity like work or study. 休む is a more general term for resting, sleeping, or taking time off work/school altogether.
Use 休憩する when you need to pause an ongoing activity for a short period to rest and then resume it. For example, during a long meeting, study session, or work task.
It's generally neutral, leaning slightly formal. It's appropriate in most situations, from work to casual conversation. For very casual settings, 休む or 一息つく might be more common.
While you can take a break *during* lunch (e.g., 休憩して食べる - kyūkei shite taberu - eat after taking a break), the main meal break itself is usually called 昼食 (chūshoku - lunch) or 昼休み (hiruyasumi - lunch break). 休憩する is more for pauses *within* activities.
Very common ones include 休憩を取る (kyūkei o toru - to take a break), 休憩時間 (kyūkei jikan - break time), and 休憩室 (kyūkeishitsu - break room).
Politely: 休憩しましょう (kyūkei shimashō). Casually: 休憩しよ (kyūkei shiyo).
Yes, the noun is 休憩 (kyūkei), meaning 'a break' or 'rest'.
No, 休憩する is for a temporary pause in activity, not for sleeping. For sleeping, you use 寝る (neru) or 休む (yasumu) in the sense of resting/sleeping.
Test Yourself
仕事のあと、______しましょう。
After work, let's take a break. 休憩 means break.
What does 「休憩時間」 mean?
休憩 means break, and 時間 means time. So, 休憩時間 is break time.
「休憩する」 means to continue working without stopping.
休憩する means to take a break, which is the opposite of continuing without stopping.
Word
Meaning
These are common phrases and compound words related to taking breaks.
The sentence translates to 'Because I was tired, I took a break.'
集中力を保つために、1時間ごとに短い______を挟むようにしています。
To maintain concentration, I try to insert short breaks every hour. 休憩 is the correct word for break.
Which phrase implies a break taken specifically for relaxation or as a change of pace?
息抜き specifically refers to a break for relaxation or enjoyment, a change of pace.
長時間の______は、生産性の低下を招く可能性がある。
Long hours of work (労働) can lead to decreased productivity. The sentence implies the negative consequence of *not* taking breaks.
Explain the difference between 休憩する and 休む.
会議の______、みんなはコーヒーを飲みました。
After the meeting (会議の後), everyone drank coffee. 後 means 'after'.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 休憩する allows you to navigate daily routines and professional interactions in Japan with ease, signaling a necessary pause for rest and recovery.
- 休憩する (kyūkei suru) means 'to take a break'.
- It's a common verb used during activities like work or study.
- It implies a temporary pause, distinct from long-term time off.
- Often paired with collocations like 休憩を取る (to take a break).
Sound Association
Break down 休憩 (kyūkei) into 'cue-key'. Imagine you need a 'cue' (like in pool) to signal it's time for your 'key' break!
Context is Key
Remember 休憩する is for pauses *within* an activity. If you're taking the whole day off, use 休む (yasumu).
The Art of the Pause
In Japan, taking appropriate breaks (休憩) is seen as essential for maintaining focus and productivity, not as slacking off.
Suru-Verb Power
Treat 休憩する like other suru-verbs (勉強する, 料理する). Conjugate it by changing する: します, しました, して, etc.
Example
少し休憩しましょう。
Related Content
Related Phrases
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
