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A2 noun #1,500 most common 9 min read

休憩

kyuukei Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you should learn '休憩' (kyuukei) as a simple word for 'break.' It is very useful when you are studying or working with Japanese friends. You can say 'Kyuukei-shimashou' which means 'Let's take a break.' Think of it as a 'pause' button. It is different from 'yasumi' because 'yasumi' can mean a whole day off, but 'kyuukei' is just for a few minutes or an hour. For example, if you are walking and get tired, you can say 'Kyuukei!' to your friend. It is a 'suru' verb, so you just add 'shimasu' to use it as an action. It's a friendly and helpful word to know for daily life.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '休憩' in more specific contexts, like at work or during a trip. You should understand phrases like 'kyuukei jikan' (break time) and 'kyuukei-chuu' (on break). You will see these on signs in shops. You also learn to specify the length of the break, such as '10-pun no kyuukei' (a 10-minute break). At this level, it's important to distinguish it from 'yasumi'. Remember that 'kyuukei' is a break *within* an activity. If you are at a restaurant and the staff are eating, they are in 'kyuukei'. You can use it to manage your time: 'Ichi-jikan benkyou shite, ju-ppun kyuukei-shimasu' (I study for an hour, then take a 10-minute break).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '休憩' in formal settings. You will encounter it in labor laws (kyuukei jikan) and professional schedules. You should know the collocation 'kyuukei wo toru' (to take a break) and 'kyuukei wo hasamu' (to insert a break). You might also hear it in more nuanced situations, like a 'tabako kyuukei' (smoke break) or 'ocha kyuukei' (tea break). You should also be aware of the noun 'kyuukeijo' (rest area) when traveling. At this level, you can explain *why* you need a break using more complex grammar: 'Zutto pasokon wo miteite me ga tsukareta node, chotto kyuukei-shite mo ii desu ka?' (Since I've been looking at the computer and my eyes are tired, may I take a short break?).

At the B2 level, you understand the social and legal implications of '休憩'. You can discuss the importance of 'tekido na kyuukei' (moderate breaks) for productivity and mental health. You will recognize the word in more formal announcements at theaters or conferences, where 'kyuukei' functions as 'intermission'. You can also distinguish 'kyuukei' from 'kyuusoku' (rest/repose) and 'kyuushi' (suspension). You might use it in business discussions about work-life balance or labor conditions. For example, 'Kyuukei jikan ga naku, hatarakisugi no joutai ga tsuzuite iru' (The state of overworking without break times is continuing). You understand that 'kyuukei' is not just a physical act but a necessary component of a professional workflow.

At the C1 level, you can use '休憩' and its related terms with precision in academic or high-level professional discourse. You might analyze the 'kyuukei' culture in Japanese companies versus Western ones. You understand the nuance of using 'kyuukei' in literature to create a pause in the narrative. You are also aware of the term's use in specific industries, such as the 'kyuukei' system in Love Hotels, and can navigate these social nuances without confusion. You can use the word in complex sentences involving passive or causative forms, such as 'Jugyou no aida ni kyuukei wo hasamu koto de, gakusei no shuuchuuryoku wo iji saseru' (By inserting breaks between classes, we maintain the students' concentration).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '休憩' and its place within the broader Japanese lexicon of rest and cessation. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji '憩' and how it contributes to the word's specific nuance of 'refreshment.' You can use the word in philosophical discussions about the nature of work and rest in modern society. You are capable of identifying when 'kyuukei' is used euphemistically or ironically in media. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, choosing between 'kyuukei,' 'kyuusoku,' 'ansei,' and 'kyuushi' with perfect accuracy based on the subtle demands of the context, register, and desired emotional impact.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

休憩 in 30 Seconds

A temporary pause in work or activity.
Used as a noun or a 'suru' verb.
Essential for recovery and maintaining focus.
Common in offices, schools, and public events.

At its core, 休憩 (kyuukei) represents a temporary cessation of activity, specifically designed to allow for physical or mental recovery before resuming the task at hand. Unlike a long-term vacation or a permanent stop, 休憩 implies a planned interval within a larger block of time. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, this word bridges the gap between formal administrative terms and daily conversational needs. It is composed of two kanji: 休 (rest/stop) and 憩 (relax/repose). Together, they create a sense of 'resting for the purpose of finding repose.'

Core Concept: A short-term pause in work, study, or physical activity to recharge.

少し休憩しましょう。 (Let's take a short break.)

The word is versatile, functioning as both a noun and a 'suru' verb. When you are in the middle of a long meeting and someone says, 'Let's take ten,' they are calling for a 休憩. It is the coffee break, the halftime in a sports match, and the moment a hiker sits on a rock to catch their breath. It is distinct from 'yasumi' (休み), which is a broader term covering everything from a night's sleep to a week-long holiday. 休憩 is specifically the 'intermission' of life's daily grind.

Etymology Note: The second kanji, 憩, is relatively rare in daily life outside of this word, emphasizing the specific 'repose' or 'refreshment' aspect of the break.

10分間の休憩が入ります。 (There will be a 10-minute break.)

In a professional context, 休憩時間 (kyuukei jikan) refers to the legally mandated break times during a work shift. In Japan, labor laws specify that if you work more than six hours, you are entitled to at least 45 minutes of 休憩. This formalizes the word beyond just a casual suggestion into a structural part of the Japanese societal fabric. Whether it is the 'smoke break' (tabako kyuukei) or the 'tea break' (ocha kyuukei), the word encapsulates the human need to step back and breathe.

仕事の合間に休憩を取る。 (To take a break between work tasks.)

Visual Image: Think of a 'Pause' button on a video player. The movie hasn't ended; it's just waiting for you to come back.

運転手は道の駅で休憩した。 (The driver took a rest at the roadside station.)

勉強に集中するために、適度な休憩が必要です。 (Moderate breaks are necessary to concentrate on studying.)

Using 休憩 (kyuukei) correctly involves understanding its grammatical flexibility. As a noun, it often pairs with the verbs toru (to take) or hairu (to enter/start). As a 'suru' verb, it functions as kyuukei-suru. The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, 'kyuukei wo toru' sounds slightly more deliberate and formal than 'kyuukei-suru'.

Grammar Pattern 1: [Time] + の + 休憩 (e.g., 5分の休憩 - A 5-minute break)

次の授業まで15分休憩があります。 (There is a 15-minute break until the next class.)

When suggesting a break to others, the polite form kyuukei-shimashou is standard. In a more hierarchical setting, like a boss speaking to subordinates, kyuukei-shite kudasai (Please take a break) or kyuukei ni shimashou (Let's make it a break) is common. It is also frequently used with particles like chuu (during) to form kyuukei-chuu (currently on break), which you might see on a sign at a shop counter.

Grammar Pattern 2: 休憩 + に + する (To decide on/take a break)

そろそろ休憩にしましょうか。 (Shall we take a break soon?)

In written Japanese, such as schedules or programs, you will often see kyuukei listed as a standalone item. For instance, in a theater program, '休憩 (20分)' indicates an intermission. In a work report, you might write '12:00-13:00 休憩'. It is a neutral, professional word that fits almost any situation where a pause is needed. It is less about 'relaxing' (kutsurogu) and more about 'pausing' (yasumu).

会議の途中で5分間の休憩を挟んだ。 (We inserted a 5-minute break in the middle of the meeting.)

Common Collocation: 休憩を挟む (kyuukei wo hasamu) - To sandwich/insert a break.

無理をしないで、こまめに休憩を取ってください。 (Don't overdo it; please take frequent breaks.)

お昼の休憩時間は12時からです。 (The lunch break starts at 12:00.)

You will encounter 休憩 (kyuukei) in a vast array of environments, ranging from the highly structured to the completely casual. In a Japanese office, the most common time to hear it is around noon. A chime or an announcement might say, 'Tadaima yori kyuukei jikan desu' (It is now break time). It is the signal for everyone to stand up, stretch, and head to the convenience store or the break room.

Scenario 1: The Workplace: Announcements over the PA system or colleagues inviting each other for a coffee.

「ちょっとコーヒー休憩に行きませんか？」 (Why don't we go for a short coffee break?)

In the world of retail and services, you will often see signs on shop counters or staff room doors. A small wooden plaque might say '休憩中' (On Break), indicating that the staff member is temporarily away. In restaurants, especially those that close between lunch and dinner, this period is often referred to as the 'kyuukei jikan' for the kitchen staff. If you try to enter a shop during this time, you might be politely told, 'Ima kyuukei-chuu desu' (We are currently on break).

Scenario 2: Public Events: Concerts, plays, and seminars where an intermission is necessary.

第一部の終了後、15分間の休憩がございます。 (After the first part, there will be a 15-minute intermission.)

On the road, you will see signs for '休憩所' (kyuukeijo), which are rest areas or designated spots for drivers to stop. These are found at 'Michi-no-Eki' (roadside stations) and along highways. In sports, coaches will call for a 'kyuukei' during intense practice sessions to prevent heatstroke or exhaustion. Even in the digital world, gamers might tell their teammates, 'Chotto kyuukei' (Taking a quick break) before stepping away from the screen.

高速道路の休憩所でトイレに行きました。 (I went to the restroom at the highway rest area.)

Scenario 3: Schools: Between classes, students often refer to the 10-minute gap as 'yasumi jikan', but teachers might use 'kyuukei' during long exams or events.

試験の合間に短い休憩が与えられた。 (A short break was given between the exams.)

長時間のドライブには、こまめな休憩が欠かせません。 (Frequent breaks are essential for long drives.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 休憩 (kyuukei) is confusing it with the broader term yasumi (休み). While they both translate to 'rest' or 'break' in English, their usage is quite distinct. Yasumi can mean a day off, a holiday, or even being absent from school/work. Kyuukei, however, is strictly a temporary pause within a period of activity. You would never say 'Ashita wa kyuukei desu' to mean 'Tomorrow is my day off.'

Mistake 1: Duration: Using 休憩 for long periods like vacations or weekends.

❌ 来週は一週間の休憩があります。
✅ 来週は一週間の休みがあります。 (I have a week off next week.)

Another common error is the misapplication of the 'suru' verb form. Some learners might say 'kyuukei wo shimasu' in a way that sounds slightly unnatural in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, 'kyuukei-shimasu' or 'kyuukei-shiyou' is much more common. Additionally, learners often forget that 休憩 is a noun. You can't just say 'Kyuukei!' as a command; you need to say 'Kyuukei-shiyou' or 'Kyuukei ni shimashou'.

Mistake 2: Contextual Nuance: Using 休憩 when you actually mean 'sleep' or 'vacation'.

❌ 疲れましたから、家で休憩します。
✅ 疲れましたから、家で休みます。 (I'm tired, so I'll rest at home.)

There is also a subtle difference between kyuukei and kyuusoku (休息). Kyuusoku is a more formal and literary word, often used for deep rest or recuperation. Using kyuusoku in a casual office setting might sound overly dramatic. Conversely, using kyuukei in a medical context about a patient needing long-term rest would be inappropriate; ansei (quiet rest) or kyuusoku would be better.

❌ 10分間の休息をしましょう。
✅ 10分間の休憩をしましょう。 (Let's take a 10-minute break.)

Mistake 3: Particle Confusion: Using 'kyuukei wo hairu' instead of 'kyuukei ni hairu'.

❌ 今から休憩を入ります。
✅ 今から休憩に入ります。 (I'm going on break now.)

❌ 昼ご飯の休憩は一時間です。
✅ 昼の休憩時間は一時間です。 (The lunch break is one hour.)

Understanding 休憩 (kyuukei) requires comparing it with its synonyms. The Japanese language has many words for 'rest,' each with a specific flavor. The most common is yasumi (休み), which is the 'umbrella' term. While kyuukei is a subset of yasumi, it is much more specific to the 'pause' within an activity.

休憩 (kyuukei) vs. 休み (yasumi): 休憩: Short break (10 mins, 1 hour) during work.
休み: General rest, day off, holiday, absence.

仕事の合間に休憩する vs. 今日は仕事が休みだ。

Another similar word is kyuusoku (休息). This word is more formal and implies a deeper level of relaxation or recuperation. You might see kyuusoku in health advice or literature. For example, 'kokoro no kyuusoku' (rest for the soul). Kyuukei is functional; kyuusoku is restorative. Then there is kyuushi (休止), which means 'suspension' or 'pause' in a more technical or mechanical sense, like a service being temporarily unavailable.

休憩 (kyuukei) vs. 休息 (kyuusoku): 休憩: Taking a breather to continue later.
休息: Deeply resting to recover energy/health.

「休憩室」 (Break room) vs. 「休息のひととき」 (A moment of repose).

There is also intermission (インターミッション), which is used specifically for theater and concerts, though kyuukei is still more common even in those settings. In sports, taimu-auto (timeout) is used for a strategic break, whereas kyuukei would be used for the rest period between training drills. Lastly, hitoyasumi (一休み) is a very common, slightly more casual way to say 'a short rest' or 'taking a breather'. It is often used in the phrase 'chotto hitoyasumi shiyou'.

ここで一休み（ひとやすみ）しましょう。 (Let's take a short break here.)

Summary Table: - 休憩: Scheduled/Functional break.
- 休息: Deep/Restorative rest.
- 休み: General term for any rest/day off.
- 一休み: Casual 'breather'.

サービスを一時休止します。 (The service is temporarily suspended.)

十分な休息をとってください。 (Please get sufficient rest/repose.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

休憩しましょう。

Let's take a break.

Verb: kyuukei-suru (to take a break)

ここで休憩しますか？

Shall we rest here?

Question form of kyuukei-suru.

5分休憩です。

It's a 5-minute break.

Noun + desu.

ちょっと休憩。

A short break.

Casual noun usage.

休憩はどこですか？

Where is the break (area)?

Asking for location.

お茶で休憩しましょう。

Let's take a break with tea.

Particle 'de' indicating means.

休憩時間は10分です。

The break time is 10 minutes.

Kyuukei jikan (break time).

今、休憩中です。

I am on break now.

Kyuukei-chuu (currently on break).

12時から1時まで休憩です。

The break is from 12 to 1.

Kara... made (from... to).

休憩室はあちらです。

The break room is over there.

Kyuukeishitsu (break room).

仕事を止めて、休憩を取りました。

I stopped work and took a break.

Kyuukei wo toru (to take a break).

休憩してから、また勉強します。

After taking a break, I will study again.

Te-form + kara (after doing...).

コーヒーを飲んで休憩しましょう。

Let's drink coffee and take a break.

Te-form connecting actions.

運転手は休憩が必要です。

The driver needs a break.

Hitsuyou (necessary).

次の休憩まで頑張りましょう。

Let's do our best until the next break.

Made (until).

休憩時間に本を読みます。

I read books during break time.

Ni (time particle).

一時間おきに、短い休憩を取るようにしています。

I try to take a short break every hour.

Youni shite iru (making an effort to).

高速道路の休憩所で昼食を食べた。

I ate lunch at a highway rest area.

Kyuukeijo (rest area/station).

会議が長引いたので、10分間の休憩を挟みました。

The meeting ran long, so we inserted a 10-minute break.

Kyuukei wo hasamu (to insert a break).

休憩中、同僚と週末の予定について話した。

During the break, I talked with my colleague about weekend plans.

Kyuukei-chuu (during the break).

労働基準法では、休憩時間の長さが決められています。

Labor standards law determines the length of break times.

Passive form: kimerarete iru.

集中力が切れたら、無理せず休憩してください。

If you lose focus, please take a break without overdoing it.

Tara (if) + kudasai.

午後の休憩に甘いものを食べると元気が出ます。

Eating something sweet during the afternoon break gives me energy.

To (conditional/result).

この店は午後2時から5時まで休憩に入ります。

This shop goes on break from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Kyuukei ni hairu (to enter/go on break).

効率を上げるためには、適度な休憩が不可欠です。

To increase efficiency, moderate breaks are indispensable.

Fukaketsu (indispensable).

コンサートの休憩時間にロビーで飲み物を買った。

I bought a drink in the lobby during the concert intermission.

Intermission context.

彼は休憩も取らずに、プロジェクトの資料を作り続けた。

He continued making project materials without even taking a break.

Zu ni (without doing).

タバコ休憩が多すぎると、非喫煙者から不満が出ることがある。

If there are too many smoke breaks, complaints may arise from non-smokers.

Tabako kyuukei (smoke break).

長時間のデスクワークは、こまめに休憩を取らないと体に悪い。

Long hours of desk work are bad for the body unless you take frequent breaks.

Nai to (unless/if not).

試合の合間の休憩で、監督が選手にアドバイスを送った。

During the break between matches, the coach gave advice to the players.

Aida no kyuukei.

休憩時間を削ってまで働く必要はありません。

There is no need to work to the extent of cutting into your break time.

Te made (even to the extent of).

休憩中に地震が発生したが、パニックにはならなかった。

An earthquake occurred during the break, but there was no panic.

Kyuukei-chuu ni.

心理学の研究によれば、15分の休憩が創造性を高めるという。

According to psychological research, a 15-minute break is said to enhance creativity.

To iu (it is said that).

過密なスケジュールの中に、いかに休憩を組み込むかが鍵となる。

How to incorporate breaks into an overcrowded schedule is the key.

Ikami... ka (how...).

伝統的な職人の世界では、休憩の作法も厳しく教えられることがある。

In the world of traditional craftsmen, the etiquette of taking breaks is sometimes strictly taught.

Saho (etiquette/manners).

休憩という名の間食が、現代人の肥満の一因となっている。

Snacking in the name of 'taking a break' is one cause of obesity in modern people.

To iu na no (in the name of).

舞台転換のための休憩が、観客の緊張感を適度に和らげる。

The break for scene changes moderately eases the audience's tension.

Yawarageru (to ease/soften).

彼は仕事の合間の休憩を、瞑想の時間として活用している。

He utilizes his breaks between work as time for meditation.

Toshite katsuyou suru (utilize as).

休憩時間の自由利用は、労働者の権利として認められている。

The free use of break time is recognized as a worker's right.

Kenri (right).

デジタルデトックスを兼ねた休憩が、現代のビジネスマンには必要だ。

Breaks that also serve as digital detoxes are necessary for modern businessmen.

Wo kaneta (serving as both).

その静謐な庭園は、都会の喧騒から逃れて休憩するのに最適な場所だ。

That serene garden is the perfect place to escape the city's bustle and take a rest.

Seihitsu (serene), Kensou (bustle).

劇作家は、あえて物語の絶頂の直前に休憩を置くことで、観客の期待を煽った。

The playwright intentionally placed a break just before the story's climax to fan the audience's expectations.

Aete (daringly/intentionally).

休憩という概念そのものが、産業革命以降の産物であるという説もある。

There is a theory that the very concept of a 'break' is a product of the Industrial Revolution.

Gainen sonomono (the concept itself).

彼は思索に耽るための休憩を、何よりも神聖なものと考えていた。

He considered the breaks for indulging in contemplation to be more sacred than anything else.

Shisaku ni fukeru (to indulge in contemplation).

過酷な労働環境下では、休憩すらも監視の対象となることがある。

Under harsh working environments, even breaks can become subject to surveillance.

Kanshi no taishou (subject of surveillance).

その詩の中での休憩（休止）は、言葉以上に多くのことを語っていた。

The pause (break) within that poem spoke more than the words themselves.

Kotoba ijou ni (more than words).

休憩を取るという行為が、罪悪感を伴うような社会構造は是正されるべきだ。

A social structure where the act of taking a break is accompanied by guilt should be corrected.

Zaiakukan wo tamonau (accompanying guilt).

生命の長い歴史において、冬眠はある種の壮大な休憩と言えるかもしれない。

In the long history of life, hibernation might be called a kind of grand break.

Aru shu no (a kind of).

Common Collocations

休憩を取る (take a break)

休憩に入る (go on break)

休憩を挟む (insert a break)

休憩時間 (break time)

休憩室 (break room)

休憩所 (rest area)

10分休憩 (10-minute break)

昼休憩 (lunch break)

こまめな休憩 (frequent breaks)

適度な休憩 (moderate breaks)

Common Phrases

ちょっと休憩しましょう (Let's take a little break)

休憩に行ってきます (I'm going on break)

休憩中につき (Because we are on break...)

休憩なしで働く (Work without a break)

休憩を挟んで後半戦 (Second half after a break)

5分間の休憩をいただきます (I will take a 5-minute break)

休憩時間にコーヒーを飲む (Drink coffee during break time)

休憩が待ち遠しい (Can't wait for the break)

休憩を切り上げる (Cut a break short)

休憩を延長する (Extend a break)

Often Confused With

休憩 vs 休み

休憩 vs 休息

休憩 vs 休暇

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

休憩 vs 急行 (kyuukou)

休憩 vs 旧型 (kyuugata)

休憩 vs 吸気 (kyuuki)

休憩 vs 休憩所 (kyuukeijo)

休憩 vs 休止 (kyuushi)

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

intent

Implies returning to the task.

duration

Typically 5 minutes to 1 hour.

formality

Neutral; safe for all settings.

Common Mistakes

Using 休憩 for a day off.
Saying 'kyuukei wo hairu' instead of 'kyuukei ni hairu'.
Shortening the 'uu' sound in 'kyuukei'.
Using 休憩 for mechanical suspension (use kyuushi instead).
Confusing 休憩 with 休暇 (vacation).

Tips

Tea and Breaks

In Japan, 'ocha' (tea) is synonymous with breaks. Offering tea is a way of suggesting a 休憩.

Know Your Rights

If you work in Japan, ensure you are getting your legally mandated 休憩時間.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro technique (25m work, 5m 休憩) is very popular among Japanese students.

Group Breaks

In traditional settings, breaks are often taken together. Wait for the signal before starting your 休憩.

Roadside Stations

Look for 'Michi-no-Eki' signs for the best 休憩所 experience while driving in Japan.

Suru-Verb Tip

Remember that 休憩 can be used with 'wo' (kyuukei wo suru) to sound more formal.

Synonym Choice

Use 'hitoyasumi' when you want to sound warm and inviting to a friend.

Mental Health

Japanese work culture is intense; taking a 休憩 is essential for mental well-being.

Meeting Etiquette

If a meeting goes over 90 minutes, it is polite to suggest a 5-10 minute 休憩.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 憩 is complex. Practice the 'heart' (心) radical at the bottom to remember it.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Japanese law requires a 45-min break for 6+ hours of work, and 1 hour for 8+ hours.

The term 'kyuukei' is the standard word for a short stay (non-overnight) in a love hotel.

During summer breaks, children often have a 'kyuukei' after morning exercises.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"そろそろ休憩にしませんか？ (Shall we take a break soon?)"

"休憩時間は何分ですか？ (How many minutes is the break?)"

"休憩中に何をしますか？ (What do you do during your break?)"

"おすすめの休憩スポットはありますか？ (Is there a recommended break spot?)"

"休憩室でコーヒーを飲みませんか？ (Why don't we have coffee in the break room?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の休憩時間に何をしたか書いてください。 (Write about what you did during your break today.)

理想的な休憩の過ごし方は何ですか？ (What is your ideal way to spend a break?)

休憩を取ることのメリットについて考えてください。 (Think about the benefits of taking breaks.)

仕事や勉強の合間に、どのくらいの頻度で休憩を取りますか？ (How often do you take breaks between work or study?)

最近行った休憩所（カフェや公園）について説明してください。 (Describe a break spot like a cafe or park you went to recently.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'hiru-kyuukei' (lunch break) is very common. It refers to the time you stop working to eat.

Yes, it is a neutral word. To be polite, say 'Kyuukei wo itadakimasu' or 'Kyuukei-shite mo yoroshii desu ka?'

休憩 is a functional break to continue later. 休息 is a more restorative, deeper rest for health or peace of mind.

No, it is a noun. You must add 'suru' or use a verb like 'toru' (take) to make it an action.

You can say 'Ima, kyuukei-chuu desu' or 'Kyuukei shite imasu'.

No, for sleep use 'neru' or 'yasumu'. 休憩 implies you are still awake and just pausing an activity.

It is a designated 'rest area,' often found on highways or in large parks.

No, for a holiday use 'yasumi' or 'shukujitsu'. 休憩 is too short for a holiday.

Write '休憩中' (Currently on break) or '休憩時間' (Break time).

Yes, 'hitoyasumi' is a more casual, friendly way to say 'a short rest'.