休暇 in 30 Seconds
- 休暇 (Kyuuka) is a formal noun meaning 'vacation' or 'leave', primarily used in professional, academic, or official contexts to denote a planned period of rest.
- It differs from the general term 'yasumi' by implying an authorized absence and usually refers to a duration of several days rather than a short break.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'toru' (to take), it appears in essential compounds like 'Yuukyuu Kyuuka' (paid leave) and 'Kaki Kyuuka' (summer vacation).
- Understanding this word is vital for navigating Japanese workplace culture, where taking 'kyuuka' is a formal process involving specific social and institutional norms.
The term 休暇 (きゅうか - Kyuuka) represents a sophisticated and formal concept of 'time off' within the Japanese linguistic landscape. Unlike the general word 休み (yasumi), which can refer to anything from a quick five-minute breather to a night's sleep, 休暇 specifically denotes an officially sanctioned, often pre-planned period of absence from one's professional or academic duties. It carries a weight of legitimacy and duration that sets it apart from casual breaks.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The first kanji, 休 (kyuu), depicts a person leaning against a tree, symbolizing rest. The second kanji, 暇 (ka/hima), refers to spare time or leisure. Together, they form a word that implies a structured period of leisure granted within a formal system.
- Official Context
- In a corporate or governmental setting, 休暇 is the standard term for leave. Whether it is for personal enrichment, health recovery, or family obligations, using this word signals that the time off is part of a formal agreement or entitlement.
「来週から二週間の休暇をいただきます。」 (I will be taking a two-week vacation starting next week.)
Historically, the concept of 休暇 has evolved alongside Japan's labor laws. In the modern era, it is deeply tied to the 'Work-Life Balance' initiatives. For instance, 有給休暇 (Yuukyuu kyuuka) or 'paid leave' is a critical topic in Japanese society, reflecting the shift from a culture of overwork to one that values scheduled recuperation. This word is not just a noun; it is a marker of social status and institutional belonging.
「リフレッシュ休暇を利用して、海外旅行に行きました。」 (I used my 'refreshment leave' to travel abroad.)
- Duration and Intent
- A 休暇 is rarely just one day. If it is one day, it's often called a
休日 (kyuujitsu)or simply休み. 休暇 suggests a span of time intended for a specific purpose, such as travel, study, or recovery.
Using 休暇 correctly requires understanding its collocations with specific verbs and its role in formal sentence structures. Because it is a formal noun, it often pairs with verbs that denote acquisition or official status.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 休暇を取る (Kyuuka o toru): To take a vacation. This is the most common and versatile expression.
- 休暇を取得する (Kyuuka o shutoku suru): To 'acquire' or 'obtain' leave. Used in HR documents and formal reports.
- 休暇を過ごす (Kyuuka o sugosu): To spend one's vacation. Focuses on the activity during the time off.
- 休暇に入る (Kyuuka ni hairu): To enter into a vacation period.
「彼は今、長期休暇を取得しています。」 (He is currently taking a long-term leave of absence.)
When describing the *type* of leave, 休暇 acts as a suffix. This is a highly productive way to use the word in professional Japanese. For example, 夏季休暇 (kaki kyuuka) for summer vacation or 育児休暇 (ikuji kyuuka) for childcare leave. In these cases, the word defines the legal or corporate category of the time off.
In conversation, if you are talking to a friend about a weekend trip, 休み is more natural. However, if you are explaining to your boss why you won't be at the meeting next Tuesday, 休暇 adds a layer of professional respect and clarity. It indicates that the absence is planned and authorized.
「有給休暇を使って、北海道へ行こうと思っています。」 (I'm thinking of using my paid leave to go to Hokkaido.)
- Sentence Patterns
- [Time Period] + の + 休暇:
三日間の休暇 (A three-day vacation) - [Purpose] + 休暇:
病気休暇 (Sick leave) - 休暇 + 中:
休暇中につき、返信が遅れます (Since I am on vacation, my reply will be delayed.)
- [Time Period] + の + 休暇:
You will encounter 休暇 in environments where structure and formality are paramount. It is a staple of 'Business Japanese' but also appears frequently in news broadcasts and travel literature.
- 1. In the Office
- HR departments use it exclusively. You will see it on 'Leave Request Forms' (休暇届 - kyuuka-todoke). When an automated email reply comes back, it often says:
「ただいま休暇をいただいております」(I am currently taking a leave). - 2. In the News
- News anchors use it when discussing government officials or the Prime Minister's schedule.
「総理は別荘で休暇を過ごしています」(The Prime Minister is spending his vacation at his villa).
「政府は、男性の育児休暇取得率を上げるための新政策を発表しました。」 (The government announced a new policy to increase the rate of men taking childcare leave.)
Travel agencies and airlines use 休暇 to evoke a sense of luxury and planned leisure. Advertisements might say 「至福の休暇を」 (For a supreme vacation). Here, the word is used to elevate the experience from a mere 'trip' to a significant life event.
Academic settings also use it for seasonal breaks. While students often say 夏休み (natsuyasumi), official university calendars will list it as 夏季休暇 (kaki kyuuka). This distinction between spoken casualness and written formality is a key feature of the Japanese language.
「大学の冬季休暇は12月25日から始まります。」 (The university's winter break begins on December 25th.)
The most frequent errors involving 休暇 stem from its similarity to other 'rest' related words. Understanding the boundaries of this word is crucial for sounding natural.
- Mistake 1: Using it for 'Break Time'
- You cannot use 休暇 for a 15-minute coffee break. That is
休憩 (kyuukei). If you tell your boss you are taking a 休暇, they will expect you to be gone for days, not minutes. - Mistake 2: Confusing with 休日 (Kyuujitsu)
- A
休日is a day when you are not scheduled to work (like Sunday). A休暇is a day you *would* have worked, but chose to take off using your leave entitlement.
「ちょっと10分間の休暇をします。」 (Incorrect)
「ちょっと10分間の休憩をします。」 (Correct - 'I'll take a 10-minute break.')
Another mistake is the verb pairing. Learners often say 休暇をします (kyuuka o shimasu). While understandable, the standard is 休暇を取る (kyuuka o toru). Using 'suru' makes it sound like 'vacationing' is a task you are performing rather than a period you are taking.
「明日は休暇です。」 (Vague - could mean it's a holiday)
「明日は休暇を取っています。」 (Clear - 'I am taking a leave day tomorrow.')
Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'rest'. Choosing the right one depends on the context of the time off.
- 休み (Yasumi)
- The umbrella term. It covers everything from sleep to a gap year. It is the safest word for beginners.
- 休憩 (Kyuukei)
- A short break during an activity. Used for halftime in sports, a lunch break, or a rest stop during a hike.
- 休日 (Kyuujitsu)
- A calendar day off. If the office is closed, it's a 休日. If the office is open but you aren't there, it's a 休暇.
- バカンス (Bakansu)
- Borrowed from French 'vacances'. It specifically implies a long, leisurely, and often expensive summer holiday, usually involving travel to a resort.
「フランス人は一ヶ月のバカンスを楽しみます。」 (French people enjoy a one-month 'vacance'.)
There is also 欠勤 (kekkin), which means 'absence from work'. However, 欠勤 usually implies an unplanned or unauthorized absence (like being sick without notice), whereas 休暇 is planned and approved.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Noun + の + 間に (During the...)
Verb-tai (Want to...)
Verb-te kara (After doing...)
Noun + につき (Due to...)
Honorifics (O-yasumi vs Kyuuka)
Examples by Level
休暇を取ります。
I will take a vacation.
Basic noun + particle + verb.
休暇は楽しいです。
Vacation is fun.
Simple subject-predicate sentence.
どこで休暇を過ごしますか？
Where will you spend your vacation?
Question form with 'sugosu'.
長い休暇がほしいです。
I want a long vacation.
Adjective + noun + hoshii.
休暇は明日からです。
The vacation starts tomorrow.
Time + kara (from).
いい休暇を！
Have a good vacation!
Common greeting/exclamation.
休暇に海へ行きました。
I went to the sea on my vacation.
Time particle 'ni'.
これは私の休暇の写真です。
This is a photo of my vacation.
Possessive 'no'.
夏期休暇は何日間ですか？
How many days is the summer vacation?
Compound noun 'Kaki Kyuuka'.
休暇中に本を三冊読みました。
I read three books during my vacation.
Kyuuka-chuu (during).
家族と一緒に休暇を楽しみました。
I enjoyed the vacation with my family.
To issho ni (together with).
仕事が忙しくて、休暇が取れません。
I'm busy with work and can't take a vacation.
Potential negative form 'toremasen'.
次の休暇は北海道に行きたいです。
I want to go to Hokkaido for my next vacation.
Desire form '-tai'.
彼は一週間の休暇を取っています。
He is taking a one-week vacation.
Duration + no + noun.
休暇の予定を立てましょう。
Let's make plans for the vacation.
Volitional form 'tatemashou'.
冬の休暇はスキーに行きます。
I go skiing during winter vacation.
Noun modification.
有給休暇を申請しました。
I applied for paid leave.
Professional term 'Yuukyuu kyuuka'.
休暇を利用して、新しいスキルを学びたい。
I want to use my vacation to learn a new skill.
Riyou shite (using/utilizing).
彼は休暇中なので、連絡がつきません。
He is on vacation, so I can't reach him.
Reasoning with 'node'.
十分な休暇を取ることは健康に良い。
Taking sufficient vacation is good for your health.
Nominalizing a clause with 'koto'.
今回の休暇はのんびり過ごすつもりです。
I plan to spend this vacation relaxing.
Tsumori (intention).
休暇の間に、部屋の掃除をしました。
During the vacation, I cleaned my room.
Aida ni (during the interval).
リフレッシュ休暇という制度があります。
There is a system called 'refreshment leave'.
To iu (called).
休暇が終わって、明日から仕事です。
The vacation is over, and work starts tomorrow.
Te-form for sequence.
休暇取得率の向上が課題となっている。
Improving the rate of taking leave has become a challenge.
Formal passive/resultative 'to natte iru'.
育児休暇を三ヶ月間取得する予定です。
I plan to take three months of childcare leave.
Specific leave type 'Ikuji kyuuka'.
休暇を返上してプロジェクトを完成させた。
I gave up my vacation to complete the project.
Idiom 'Kyuuka o henjou suru'.
まとまった休暇が取れたら、海外へ行きたい。
If I can get a significant block of time off, I want to go abroad.
Matomatta (collected/significant).
休暇の過ごし方は人それぞれだ。
The way people spend their vacations varies from person to person.
Sugoshi-kata (way of spending).
会社は従業員に休暇を取るよう促している。
The company is encouraging employees to take vacations.
You unagasu (encourage to do).
休暇を満喫するために、スマホの電源を切った。
To fully enjoy my vacation, I turned off my smartphone.
Mankitsu suru (to enjoy to the fullest).
法改正により、休暇の取得が義務化された。
Due to legal changes, taking vacation has become mandatory.
Gimuka (making mandatory).
休暇は単なる休息ではなく、自己研鑽の機会でもある。
Vacation is not merely rest, but also an opportunity for self-improvement.
Tan naru... dewa naku (not just... but).
彼は長期休暇を利用して、世界一周の旅に出た。
He used his long-term leave to set out on a trip around the world.
Chouki kyuuka (long-term leave).
休暇制度の充実は、優秀な人材の確保に不可欠だ。
Enhancing the leave system is essential for securing talented human resources.
Fukaketsu (indispensable).
有給休暇の未消化分をどう処理するかが問題だ。
The issue is how to handle the unused portion of paid leave.
Mishouka-bun (unused portion).
休暇を心ゆくまで楽しむには、事前の準備が欠かせない。
To enjoy a vacation to one's heart's content, prior preparation is essential.
Kokoro yuku made (to one's heart's content).
彼は病気休暇を終え、ようやく職場に復帰した。
He finished his sick leave and finally returned to the workplace.
Byouki kyuuka (sick leave).
休暇中のトラブルに対応するため、連絡網を整備する。
In order to handle troubles during vacation, we will organize a contact network.
Seibi suru (to organize/maintain).
休暇という概念そのものが、近代化の産物である。
The concept of 'vacation' itself is a product of modernization.
Sonomono (itself).
休暇の哲学的意義について考察を深める。
To deepen the consideration of the philosophical significance of vacation.
Kousatsu o fukameru (deepen consideration).
労働と休暇の境界が曖昧になる現代社会において、真の休息とは何か。
In modern society where the boundary between labor and vacation is becoming blurred, what is true rest?
Aimai (vague/blurred).
休暇を謳歌する権利は、基本的人権の一部と言えるだろう。
The right to enjoy a vacation could be said to be part of basic human rights.
Ouka suru (to enjoy/celebrate).
彼は特別休暇を利用して、僻地でのボランティア活動に従事した。
He used special leave to engage in volunteer activities in a remote area.
Juuji suru (to engage in).
休暇の質を向上させることが、生産性の向上に直結する。
Improving the quality of vacation directly leads to an improvement in productivity.
Chokketsu suru (directly connect).
有給休暇の強制取得は、過労死防止の有効な手段となり得る。
Mandatory taking of paid leave can be an effective means of preventing death from overwork.
Nari uru (can become).
休暇を「無為」と捉えるのではなく、「再生」と捉えるべきだ。
Vacation should not be perceived as 'idleness' but as 'regeneration'.
To toraeru (to perceive as).
休暇明けの倦怠感をいかに克服するかが、ビジネスマンの課題だ。
How to overcome the lassitude after a vacation is a challenge for businesspeople.
Kentaikan (lassitude/fatigue).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Short break (minutes/hours) vs long leave (days).
Scheduled day off vs requested leave.
National holiday vs personal vacation.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
休暇 has legal implications in labor contracts.
休暇 is formal; 休み is casual/neutral.
- Using 休暇 for a lunch break (use 休憩 instead).
- Saying 休暇する (use 休暇を取る instead).
- Confusing 休暇 with 祝日 (national holidays).
- Using 休暇 casually with friends (use 休み instead).
- Assuming 休暇 is always paid (you must specify 有給休暇).
Tips
The Souvenir Rule
When returning from a 休暇, it is highly recommended to bring 'Omiyage' (souvenirs) for your team. This shows you appreciate them covering your work while you were away. It helps maintain good relationships in the office. Usually, individually wrapped cookies or sweets are best.
Verb Choice
Always pair 休暇 with 'toru' (to take) or 'shutoku suru' (to acquire). Avoid using 'shimasu'. This makes your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. 'Toru' is the most common for daily professional speech.
Compound Words
Learn 休暇 as part of compounds like 'Kaki-kyuuka' (Summer) or 'Touki-kyuuka' (Winter). These are the terms you will see on official calendars. Knowing these will help you read schedules at work or school easily. They are very common in formal announcements.
Announcing Leave
Tell your coworkers about your 休暇 at least a week in advance. Use the phrase '休暇をいただきます' to be polite. This allows everyone to prepare for your absence. It is considered good manners in Japanese business culture.
News Keywords
When you hear 'kyuuka' on the news, it's often about government policy. Pay attention to words like 'shoushika' (declining birthrate) and 'ikuji-kyuuka' (childcare leave). These are major social topics in Japan right now. It helps you understand current events better.
Email Etiquette
In an out-of-office email, use the phrase '休暇中のため' (Because I am on vacation). This is the standard way to explain why you aren't responding. It is professional and expected in a business setting. Always include when you will return.
Kanji Logic
Remember the 'tree' in 休 (rest) and the 'sun' in 暇 (leisure). A person resting by a tree during the sun's time. This visual helps you remember the meaning and the characters. Both kanji are very useful in other words too.
Polite Requests
When asking for leave, use 'itadakemasu ka' (Can I receive?). For example: '来週、休暇をいただけますか？'. This is much more polite than asking 'Can I take...'. It shows respect for the company's time and schedule.
Kyuuka vs Kyuujitsu
Remember: Kyuujitsu is when the *office* is closed. Kyuuka is when *you* are closed. This distinction is vital for HR and scheduling. Using them correctly prevents confusion about whether the whole team is off or just you.
Long Term
For sabbaticals or very long breaks, use 'Chouki Kyuuka'. This implies a significant period, like a month or more. It's a common goal for many Japanese workers. It sounds more impressive than just a 'long yasumi'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Q-ka (Kyuuka): I have a 'Question' (Q) for my boss: 'Can I take a (ka) vacation?'
Word Origin
Cultural Context
A mid-August 休暇 where many people return to their hometowns to honor ancestors.
The longest collective 休暇 period in Japan, occurring in late April/early May.
Bringing snacks back for coworkers is almost mandatory after a 休暇.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"次の休暇はどこかへ行きますか？ (Are you going somewhere for your next vacation?)"
"休暇が取れたら、何をしたいですか？ (If you could get a vacation, what would you want to do?)"
"おすすめの休暇の過ごし方はありますか？ (Do you have any recommendations for how to spend a vacation?)"
"有給休暇は使い切っていますか？ (Do you use up all your paid leave?)"
"理想の休暇はどんなものですか？ (What is your ideal vacation?)"
Journal Prompts
私の理想の休暇について。 (About my ideal vacation.)
去年の休暇で一番楽しかったこと。 (The most fun thing from last year's vacation.)
休暇中に学びたい新しいこと。 (New things I want to learn during vacation.)
日本での休暇の過ごし方について思うこと。 (My thoughts on how vacations are spent in Japan.)
休暇が終わった後の気持ち。 (How I feel after a vacation ends.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, no. A weekend is called 'shuumatsu' or 'kyuujitsu'. You only use 休暇 if you are taking extra days off around the weekend to make a longer trip. It implies a 'leave' from your duties.
休み is a general word for any kind of rest or day off. 休暇 is a formal noun specifically for authorized, planned periods of leave. In casual talk, use 休み. In business, use 休暇.
No, 休暇 is a noun. You cannot say 'kyuuka suru'. You must say 'kyuuka o toru' (take a vacation) or 'kyuuka o sugosu' (spend a vacation). It functions strictly as a noun.
You should say '休暇をいただきたいのですが' (I would like to take a vacation...). Using 'itadaku' (to humbly receive) is the standard polite way to ask a supervisor for time off.
It means 'paid leave'. 'Yuukyuu' means 'with pay'. It is the legal term for the days off you are entitled to while still receiving your salary. It is often shortened to just 'Yuukyuu'.
Yes, but they usually use 'yasumi' (e.g., natsu-yasumi). However, on official university documents or when talking to professors formally, 'kaki-kyuuka' (summer leave) is the appropriate term to use.
Not quite. 'Bakansu' is a loanword from French and implies a long, luxurious summer holiday. 'Kyuuka' is the standard, neutral, and formal Japanese word for any authorized leave period.
It is a specific type of leave offered by some Japanese companies, usually after a certain number of years of service, intended for the employee to 'refresh' their mind and body.
You say '休暇中です' (Kyuuka-chuu desu). This is commonly used in email auto-replies or when someone asks why you aren't at work. It sounds very professional and clear.
It is a 'Leave Request Form'. In most Japanese companies, you must submit this (either on paper or digitally) to have your vacation officially approved by your manager and HR.
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Summary
休暇 is your 'official' vacation. Use it when you want to sound professional or when referring to institutional leave policies. It is the bridge between personal rest and corporate responsibility, marking a legitimate period of time away from duties.
- 休暇 (Kyuuka) is a formal noun meaning 'vacation' or 'leave', primarily used in professional, academic, or official contexts to denote a planned period of rest.
- It differs from the general term 'yasumi' by implying an authorized absence and usually refers to a duration of several days rather than a short break.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'toru' (to take), it appears in essential compounds like 'Yuukyuu Kyuuka' (paid leave) and 'Kaki Kyuuka' (summer vacation).
- Understanding this word is vital for navigating Japanese workplace culture, where taking 'kyuuka' is a formal process involving specific social and institutional norms.
The Souvenir Rule
When returning from a 休暇, it is highly recommended to bring 'Omiyage' (souvenirs) for your team. This shows you appreciate them covering your work while you were away. It helps maintain good relationships in the office. Usually, individually wrapped cookies or sweets are best.
Verb Choice
Always pair 休暇 with 'toru' (to take) or 'shutoku suru' (to acquire). Avoid using 'shimasu'. This makes your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. 'Toru' is the most common for daily professional speech.
Compound Words
Learn 休暇 as part of compounds like 'Kaki-kyuuka' (Summer) or 'Touki-kyuuka' (Winter). These are the terms you will see on official calendars. Knowing these will help you read schedules at work or school easily. They are very common in formal announcements.
Announcing Leave
Tell your coworkers about your 休暇 at least a week in advance. Use the phrase '休暇をいただきます' to be polite. This allows everyone to prepare for your absence. It is considered good manners in Japanese business culture.
Example
夏休暇を取ります。
Related Content
More Work words
欠勤
A1Kekkin refers to an absence from work during scheduled working hours. It is primarily used in professional contexts to describe missing a job assignment, whether for illness, personal reasons, or without permission.
管理
A1Management or administration of things, people, or situations to keep them in a desired state. It involves supervising, maintaining, and controlling resources or processes effectively.
交代
A1交代 refers to the act of taking turns, shifting roles, or replacing someone in a position or task. It is frequently used in sports for player substitutions, in work for shift changes, and in daily life for sharing duties.
申請
A1The formal act of making a request to an authority or organization for permission, a license, or a specific service. It typically involves submitting official documents and following a set administrative procedure.
協会
A1An organized group of people who have the same interest, job, or purpose. It is commonly used for professional bodies, sports leagues, or non-profit organizations that represent a collective interest.
理容師
A1A licensed professional who cuts, styles, and cares for hair, primarily for male customers. In Japan, this role is legally distinct from a beautician (biyōshi) as it typically includes the service of shaving with a straight razor.
賞与
A1A bonus or extra payment given to an employee in addition to their regular salary. It typically refers to the seasonal payments (summer and winter) that are common in the Japanese corporate system.
打ち合わせ
A1A preliminary meeting or discussion held to coordinate details and make arrangements before an event or project. It is used to ensure all parties involved are in agreement on the plan of action.
業務
A1業務 refers to the specific duties, tasks, or operations performed as part of a professional job or business activity. It is a formal term used to describe the regular work processes required to maintain an organization's functions.
大工
A1A professional carpenter who specializes in building and repairing wooden structures, particularly houses. In Japan, this word specifically evokes the image of a skilled artisan who works with traditional wood joinery.
