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A2 noun 8 min de leitura

休み

yasumi

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 休み em 30 segundos

Explicação 休み in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter 'yasumi' as one of the most basic nouns for daily life. It is taught alongside 'shigoto' (work) and 'gakkou' (school) to help students describe their weekly schedule. At this stage, the focus is on the simple 'Noun wa yasumi desu' structure (e.g., 'Ashita wa yasumi desu' - Tomorrow is a holiday). Students learn to identify days of the week and state which ones are their 'yasumi.' The word is also introduced in the context of school breaks, such as 'natsu-yasumi' (summer holiday), which is a high-frequency vocabulary item for beginners. Additionally, A1 learners learn the fixed greeting 'Oyasumi nasai' (Good night), where the word 'yasumi' is embedded. The goal at this level is to understand that 'yasumi' means a break from the usual routine, whether it's for a night, a day, or a season.

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For A2 learners, 'yasumi' becomes more functional. Students learn to use it with verbs like 'toru' (to take) and 'aru' (to have/there is). This allows for more complex interactions, such as asking a boss for time off or checking if a shop is open. A2 learners should be able to distinguish between 'yasumi' (the noun) and 'yasumu' (the verb). They also begin to learn compound nouns like 'hiru-yasumi' (lunch break) and 'fuyu-yasumi' (winter break). At this level, students are expected to use 'yasumi' to describe their hobbies and how they spend their free time. The focus shifts from just identifying a holiday to describing the activities done during that holiday. Understanding the concept of 'regular holidays' (teikyuubi) for stores also falls under this level, as it's essential for basic navigation in Japan.

At the B1 level, the nuance of 'yasumi' deepens as learners explore Japanese work culture and social expectations. Students learn about 'Golden Week,' 'Obon,' and 'New Year' (Oshougatsu) as major 'yasumi' periods that affect the entire country. They start to use more formal alternatives like 'kyuuka' (vacation/leave) in professional settings and understand the social etiquette of bringing back 'omiyage' (souvenirs) after a 'yasumi.' B1 learners are also introduced to the idea of 'yasumi' as an absence, such as 'byou-ketsu' (absence due to illness) being a type of 'yasumi.' They can explain why they were absent from a meeting or class using more sophisticated grammar. The distinction between 'yasumi' (personal time off) and 'kyuujitsu' (calendar holidays) becomes clearer, and learners can use both appropriately in conversation and writing.

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B2 learners should have a firm grasp of the societal implications of 'yasumi' in Japan. This includes understanding 'Karoshi' (death from overwork) and the government's efforts to encourage people to take 'yasumi.' Learners at this level can discuss labor laws related to 'yuukyuu kyuuka' (paid leave) and the 'Work-Life Balance' movement. They can use 'yasumi' in idiomatic expressions and understand its role in literature and media as a symbol of relief or stagnation. B2 students can also navigate the subtle registers of the word—knowing when 'yasumi' sounds too casual for a business report and opting for 'kyuuka' or 'kyuugyou' instead. They can handle complex sentence structures involving 'yasumi' as a modifier for other abstract concepts, like 'yasumi-ake' (the period right after a holiday).

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At the C1 level, 'yasumi' is analyzed through a linguistic and cultural lens. Learners explore the etymology of the kanji (休), which depicts a person leaning against a tree, and how this imagery reflects ancient views on labor and nature. They can read and discuss academic or journalistic texts about the 'psychology of rest' in Japan. C1 learners are proficient in using the word in highly formal contexts, such as 'kyuukou' (cancellation of lectures) or 'kyuukan' (temporary closing of a museum). They understand the historical evolution of the five-day work week in Japan and how the concept of 'yasumi' has shifted from a communal religious event to an individualistic leisure activity. At this level, the learner can use 'yasumi' to articulate nuanced philosophical points about the necessity of 'ma' (void/space) in art and life.

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For C2 learners, 'yasumi' is a word with infinite depth. They can engage in high-level debates about the socio-economic impact of Japan's holiday system on global markets. They are familiar with classical Japanese literature where the concept of 'rest' or 'retreat' (like 'In-ton') is a major theme. C2 learners can identify the word's use in various dialects and historical registers. They can critique government policies regarding 'Premium Friday' or other initiatives designed to force 'yasumi' upon a work-centric population. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a gateway to understanding the Japanese psyche. At this level, the learner can use 'yasumi' with the same precision and cultural weight as a native speaker, including its use in puns, high-level rhetoric, and poetic discourse.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

休み em 30 segundos

Yasumi is the primary Japanese noun for 'rest,' 'break,' or 'holiday,' used in both casual and professional settings to denote time off.
It covers everything from a quick lunch break (hiruyasumi) to long seasonal vacations like summer (natsuyasumi) or winter (fuyuyasumi) breaks.
The word is commonly used with the verb 'toru' to mean 'taking a day off' or with 'desu' to state that a day is a holiday.
Culturally, it is central to Japanese life, appearing on shop signs (closed), in school schedules, and as part of the 'Good night' greeting.

The Japanese word 休み (yasumi) is a versatile noun that serves as the cornerstone for discussing any form of cessation from activity. At its core, it translates to 'rest,' 'break,' 'holiday,' or 'day off.' Derived from the verb yasumu (to rest), the noun form encompasses both short-term pauses and long-term vacations. Whether you are taking a five-minute breather between meetings or embarking on a two-week international trip, 休み is the term of choice. It is one of the first words learners encounter because it is essential for daily survival—knowing when a shop is closed, when school is out, or simply asking for a moment to sit down.

The Daily Break: In a school or office setting, 休み refers to the intervals between tasks. For example, hiru-yasumi (昼休み) is the universal term for lunch break. It implies a temporary state of non-action intended to recharge one's energy before resuming work.
The Scheduled Day Off: When referring to your weekly schedule, 休み indicates the days you are not required to be at your post. If someone asks, 'When is your day off?' they would say Yasumi wa itsu desu ka?. This usage is common in retail, healthcare, and corporate environments alike.
Extended Vacations: During major seasonal events like 'Golden Week' or 'Obon,' the word 休み describes the entire holiday period. While formal documents might use kyuuka (休暇), in everyday conversation, people simply say natsu-yasumi (summer vacation) or fuyu-yasumi (winter vacation).

明日は仕事が休みです。 (Tomorrow is my day off from work.)

ちょっと休みましょう。 (Let's take a little break.)

Furthermore, 休み is used to describe an absence. If a student is not in class, the teacher might record it as an 'absence' using this word. It carries a sense of 'being away' from the expected place of presence. In the context of public transport or services, it can also mean a suspension of service. The word is deeply rooted in the concept of 'ma' (space/gap) in Japanese culture—the necessary silence between sounds that gives the sounds meaning. Without yasumi, the rhythm of Japanese life would be unsustainable, making it a word of both practical necessity and philosophical importance.

Using 休み correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with various particles and verbs. Unlike English, where 'rest' can be a verb or a noun, yasumi is strictly a noun, though it is the base for the verb yasumu. To express the act of taking a break, you typically pair it with the verb toru (to take) or suru (to do/be).

The 'Take' Pattern: When you are proactively scheduling time off, use yasumi o toru (休みを取る). This is commonly used in professional contexts when requesting leave.
Example: Raishuu, yasumi o torimasu. (I will take a day off next week.)
The 'Exist' Pattern: To describe a state of having a holiday, use yasumi ga aru (休みがある). This describes the existence of a holiday in your schedule.
Example: Ashita wa yasumi ga arimasen. (I don't have a day off tomorrow.)

冬休みはどこに行きますか？ (Where are you going during winter vacation?)

When modifying yasumi with another noun, the particle no (の) is your best friend. For instance, 'Work holiday' becomes shigoto no yasumi. However, many common terms are compound nouns where the 'no' is dropped, such as natsu-yasumi (summer holiday) or hiru-yasumi (lunch break). Understanding when to use the particle and when to fuse the words is a key step in moving from A2 to B1 proficiency.

お休みなさい。 (Good night. / Literally: Please rest.)

The word also appears in the common nighttime greeting Oyasumi nasai. Here, the honorific 'O' (お) is added to make the word polite, and 'nasai' turns it into a gentle imperative. It literally means 'Please have a rest,' but functions as 'Good night.' This illustrates how the concept of 'rest' is socially embedded in Japanese politeness and daily rituals.

You will encounter 休み in almost every facet of Japanese life, from the loud announcements in a train station to the quiet whispers of a library. It is a word that dictates the flow of time and social interaction in Japan. Because Japanese work culture is famously intense, the topic of 'rest' is a frequent subject of conversation, policy, and media coverage.

In the Workplace: In Japanese offices, the term kyuukei (休憩) is often used for short breaks, but yasumi remains the standard for lunch and days off. You will hear coworkers asking each other about their weekend plans using yasumi. Management might also announce tokubetsu yasumi (special leave) for family events or bereavement.
In Schools: Students live by the yasumi schedule. Jugyou no aida no yasumi (breaks between classes) are when social life happens. School calendars are marked with haru-yasumi (spring break), natsu-yasumi (summer break), and fuyu-yasumi (winter break), which are the highlights of the academic year.
In Public Spaces: When wandering through a shopping district, you will see signs on shop shutters. A sign saying '定休日' (Teikyuubi) indicates the 'regular holiday' or fixed day off for that store. If a shop is unexpectedly closed, a sign might simply say '本日休み' (Honjitsu yasumi - Closed today).

次の休みはいつですか？ (When is your next day off?)

In media, especially news broadcasts, yasumi is used during weather reports to discuss how people are spending their holidays. During the 'Silver Week' (a cluster of holidays in September), news crews often interview families at airports or train stations, asking them how they are enjoying their yasumi. This reinforces the word's association with leisure and family time.

Despite its simplicity, 休み can be tricky for English speakers due to the way Japanese distinguishes between different types of 'off' time. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing Noun and Verb: A frequent error is trying to use yasumi as a verb directly. You cannot say 'I will holiday tomorrow' as Ashita yasumi-masu in the sense of the noun. While yasumimasu IS the verb for 'to rest,' it often implies 'to be absent' or 'to take a rest' rather than 'to have a scheduled holiday.' To say 'Tomorrow is a holiday,' use Ashita wa yasumi desu.
Yasumi vs. Kyuujitsu: Learners often use yasumi when kyuujitsu (休日) is more appropriate. Kyuujitsu specifically refers to a 'day of rest' on a calendar (like a Sunday or a National Holiday). Yasumi is more personal and general. If you are talking about your own schedule, yasumi is fine. If you are talking about a bank being closed for a national holiday, kyuujitsu is better.

❌ 私は明日休みます。 (I will be absent tomorrow - often implies sickness or skipping.)
✅ 明日は休みです。 (Tomorrow is my day off.)

Another mistake is using yasumi to mean 'sleep.' While sleep is a form of rest, yasumi refers to the period of time away from work or school. If you want to say 'I need some sleep,' use suimin or neru koto. Using yasumi in that context might make it sound like you are asking for a day off work just to nap, which—while relatable—might not be what you intended to communicate!

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for different types of breaks. Choosing the right one depends on the length of the break, the reason for it, and the level of formality required. Here is how 休み compares to its cousins.

休暇 (Kyuuka): This is a formal term for 'vacation' or 'leave.' You see this in contracts (e.g., yuukyuu kyuuka - paid leave). It sounds more official than yasumi. Use this when writing a formal email to your boss or reading a company handbook.
休憩 (Kyuukei): This refers to a short 'rest' or 'intermission' during a continuous activity. Think of a 15-minute coffee break or a halftime in a sports match. Yasumi is the whole time you are off; kyuukei is the specific act of stopping for a bit.
休日 (Kyuujitsu): As mentioned before, this is a 'day of rest.' It is a more technical or calendar-based term. While yasumi is something you *have*, kyuujitsu is a type of *day*.

10分の休憩をしましょう。 (Let's take a 10-minute break.)

In casual slang, you might hear young people use off (オフ). For example, kyou wa off da (Today is my 'off' day). This is borrowed from English but used specifically to mean a day with no responsibilities or social obligations. It's even more informal than yasumi.

Finally, there is yasumi-jikan (休み時間). This specifically refers to 'recess' or the time between classes in school. While adults might just say 'lunch break' (hiruyasumi), students live their lives by the yasumi-jikan. Knowing these distinctions allows you to navigate different social environments with the appropriate level of vocabulary precision.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The kanji for 'yasumi' (休) is one of the first characters taught to Japanese children because of its simple, visual logic. It perfectly captures the essence of human relaxation in nature.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /jæˈsuːmi/

US /jɑˈsumi/

Japanese uses pitch accent rather than stress. In 'yasumi,' the pitch typically rises on 'su' and falls on 'mi.'

Rima com

Tsutsumi Kasumi Natsumi Sashimi Tatami Kami Tsunami Ami

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'su' with a heavy 'u' sound (it should be subtle).
Stressing the first syllable like 'YAH-su-mi' instead of using pitch.
Confusing the vowel 'i' with 'ai' (it's 'me', not 'my').
Making the 'ya' sound like 'ja' (German style).
Holding the 'mi' too long.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

The kanji is very simple and one of the first 100 learned.

Escrita 1/5

Consists of basic radicals (person and tree).

Expressão oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but pitch accent needs attention.

Audição 1/5

Distinctive sound, very common in daily life.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

人 (Person) 木 (Tree) 仕事 (Work) 学校 (School) 行く (To go)

Aprenda a seguir

休暇 (Vacation) 休憩 (Break) 休日 (Holiday) 予定 (Schedule) 旅行 (Travel)

Avançado

福利厚生 (Welfare benefits) 有給消化 (Using up paid leave) ワークライフバランス (Work-life balance) 安息日 (Sabbath) 避暑 (Summering/Summer retreat)

Gramática essencial

Noun + の + 休み

仕事の休み (Work holiday)

〜は休みだ (Informal state)

明日は休みだ。

〜を休む (To be absent from)

学校を休む。

〜休み (Compound Noun)

昼休み (Lunch break)

休み + に (Time particle)

休みに旅行する。

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Exemplos por nível

今日は休みです。

Today is a holiday / day off.

Basic 'A wa B desu' structure using 休み as a noun.

明日は休みですか？

Is tomorrow a day off?

Adding 'ka' to create a question about a holiday.

土曜日は休みです。

Saturday is a holiday.

Specifying a day of the week as the holiday.

おやすみなさい。

Good night.

Fixed greeting derived from 'yasumi'.

学校は休みです。

School is on holiday.

Using 'yasumi' to mean a school is closed.

休みは日曜日です。

The holiday is Sunday.

Identifying the specific day of a recurring holiday.

いい休みを！

Have a good holiday!

Casual exclamation wishing someone well.

夏休みが楽しみです。

I am looking forward to summer vacation.

Compound noun 'natsu-yasumi' (summer vacation).

昼休みにお弁当を食べます。

I eat lunch during the lunch break.

Using 'ni' to indicate the time period of the break.

来週、休みを取ります。

I will take a day off next week.

The verb 'toru' (to take) paired with 'yasumi'.

この店は火曜日が休みです。

This shop is closed on Tuesdays.

Subject marker 'ga' identifying the specific day off.

冬休みは実家に帰ります。

I will go back to my parents' house during winter break.

Topic marker 'wa' used with a seasonal holiday.

一時間の休みがあります。

There is a one-hour break.

Quantifying the duration of the 'yasumi'.

休みの日には何をしますか？

What do you do on your days off?

Using 'yasumi no hi' to mean 'day of rest'.

風邪で学校を休みました。

I was absent from school due to a cold.

Using the verb form 'yasumu' to mean absence.

ちょっと休みましょうか。

Shall we take a little rest?

Volitional form of the verb 'yasumu' used for suggestions.

ゴールデンウィークの休みはどこも混んでいます。

Everywhere is crowded during the Golden Week holidays.

Describing a specific national holiday period.

急な休みをいただいて、すみません。

I'm sorry for taking a sudden day off.

Humble language (itadaku) used in a professional context.

休み明けは仕事がたまっています。

Work has piled up after the holiday.

The compound 'yasumi-ake' (after the holiday).

次の三連休に旅行するつもりです。

I plan to travel during the next three-day weekend.

'San-renkyuu' refers to three consecutive holidays.

昨日は仕事が休みだったので、一日中寝ていました。

Because I had yesterday off, I slept all day.

Using 'nanode' to explain a cause based on a holiday.

お盆休みには家族でお墓参りに行きます。

During the Obon holidays, we go to visit family graves.

Cultural reference to the Obon festival holidays.

休み時間は友達とおしゃべりします。

During break time, I chat with my friends.

'Yasumi-jikan' specifically for school/work intervals.

働きすぎて、休みが必要です。

I've worked too much; I need a break.

Expressing necessity (hitsuyou) for rest.

有給休暇を取るのは、社員の権利です。

Taking paid leave is a right of the employees.

Using the formal 'yuukyuu kyuuka' instead of 'yasumi'.

夏休みを利用して、語学留学をしました。

I took advantage of summer vacation to study a language abroad.

Using 'riyou shite' (utilizing) with a holiday period.

休みが取れないほど忙しいのは、問題だと思います。

I think it's a problem to be so busy that you can't take a day off.

Potential negative form 'torenai' used as a modifier.

連休中は高速道路がかなり渋滞します。

Highways get very congested during consecutive holidays.

'Renkyuu' (consecutive holidays) as a collective noun.

彼は一週間のリフレッシュ休暇を取った。

He took a one-week 'refresh' leave.

The loanword 'refresh' combined with 'kyuuka'.

年末年始の休みは、銀行も閉まっています。

During the year-end and New Year holidays, banks are also closed.

'Nenmatsu-nenshi' as a specific holiday compound.

育児休み（育休）を取得する男性が増えています。

The number of men taking childcare leave is increasing.

Social context: 'Ikukyuu' is the abbreviation for childcare leave.

このプロジェクトが終わるまで、休みは返上だ。

Until this project is finished, I'm giving up my days off.

'Henjou' (giving back/forfeiting) used with 'yasumi'.

現代人にとって、本当の意味での「休み」とは何かを考える必要がある。

We need to consider what 'rest' really means for modern people.

Abstract usage of 'yasumi' in a philosophical context.

冠婚葬祭などのための特別休暇が認められている。

Special leave for ceremonial occasions is recognized.

Formal legal/corporate terminology 'tokubetsu kyuuka'.

彼は心身の不調を理由に、長期の休みに入った。

He went on a long-term leave due to poor physical and mental health.

Using 'yasumi ni hairu' (to enter a period of rest).

休む間もなく働き続けることは、創造性を損なう恐れがある。

Continuing to work without even a moment's rest risks damaging creativity.

Literary structure 'yasumu ma mo naku' (without time to rest).

美術館は展示替えのため、来月は一時休館となります。

The museum will be temporarily closed next month for exhibition changes.

Formal term 'kyuukan' (closed building/museum).

振替休日を利用して、平日の空いている遊園地に行った。

I used a compensatory holiday to go to an amusement park on a quiet weekday.

'Furikae kyuujitsu' (substitute holiday).

自然の中で過ごす休みは、何物にも代えがたい贅沢だ。

A holiday spent in nature is an irreplaceable luxury.

Emotive/literary phrasing 'nanimono ni mo kaegatai'.

休日の過ごし方が、その人の人生の質を決めると言っても過言ではない。

It is no exaggeration to say that how one spends their days off determines the quality of their life.

Strong rhetorical structure '...to itte mo kagon de wa nai'.

日本社会における「休み」の概念は、集団主義的な同調圧力によって長らく制約されてきた。

The concept of 'rest' in Japanese society has long been constrained by collectivist peer pressure.

Sociological analysis of the word 'yasumi'.

閑暇をどう享受するかは、高度に文化的な問いである。

How one enjoys leisure is a highly cultural question.

Using the high-level term 'kanka' for leisure/rest.

安息日の伝統を持たない日本において、休みは常に労働の対極としてのみ定義されてきた。

In Japan, which lacks a Sabbath tradition, rest has always been defined only as the opposite of labor.

Historical/comparative religious context.

彼は公務の合間を縫って、束の間の休みを慈しんだ。

He cherished a brief moment of rest, finding time in between his public duties.

Poetic expression 'tsukanoma no yasumi' (fleeting rest).

休業補償の是非を巡って、国会で激しい論戦が繰り広げられた。

A fierce debate unfolded in the Diet regarding the pros and cons of business suspension compensation.

Political/economic terminology 'kyuugyou houshou'.

「休み」とは単なる活動の停止ではなく、自己を再構築するための積極的な空白であるべきだ。

Rest should not be a mere cessation of activity, but an active void for self-reconstruction.

Philosophical redefinition of a common noun.

有給の完全消化が義務付けられたことで、職場環境に劇的な変化が生じている。

The mandatory full use of paid leave is causing dramatic changes in the workplace environment.

Discussing modern labor reforms.

静寂の中にこそ、魂の休みがあるのだと彼は悟った。

He realized that the rest of the soul lies within silence.

Spiritual/metaphorical usage.

Colocações comuns

休みを取る

休みを過ごす

休みが入る

長い休み

急な休み

休みの日

休み明け

休み中

週休二日

お休み中

Frases Comuns

冬休み

— Winter vacation, typically around New Year's.

冬休みはスキーに行きます。

夏休み

— Summer vacation, usually in August.

子供たちは夏休みが大好きだ。

昼休み

— Lunch break at work or school.

昼休みに散歩をする。

春休み

— Spring break between school years in March/April.

春休みに引っ越しをする。

定休日

— A regular weekly holiday for a shop or business.

このレストランの定休日は月曜日だ。

連休

— Consecutive holidays (a long weekend).

五月の連休に旅行する。

お休み

— Polite form of 'yasumi,' used in greetings or for babies.

お休みのお時間ですよ。

休みなし

— No breaks; working without stopping.

一週間休みなしで働いた。

振替休日

— A substitute holiday (when a holiday falls on a Sunday).

月曜日が振替休日になった。

育児休み

— Childcare leave (maternity/paternity leave).

彼は育児休みを取っている。

Frequentemente confundido com

休み vs 休む (Yasumu)

Yasumu is the verb (to rest/be absent), while yasumi is the noun (a rest/holiday).

休み vs 休憩 (Kyuukei)

Kyuukei is a short interval/break, whereas yasumi can be a long period.

休み vs 休日 (Kyuujitsu)

Kyuujitsu is a formal 'day of rest' on a calendar; yasumi is more general.

Expressões idiomáticas

"骨休め"

— To stretch one's bones; to relax after hard work.

温泉に行って骨休めをする。

Casual

"休み休み言う"

— To speak with frequent pauses; to hesitate.

彼は休み休み事情を話した。

Descriptive

"命の洗濯"

— Laundering one's life; a refreshing break that makes you feel alive.

旅行は私にとって命の洗濯だ。

Idiomatic

"骨折り損のくたびれ儲け"

— All work and no play; great effort for no gain (related to needing rest).

結局、骨折り損のくたびれ儲けだった。

Proverb

"息抜き"

— A breather; a small vent to let off steam.

勉強の合間に息抜きをする。

Common

"一息入れる"

— To take a breather; to pause for a moment.

ここらで一息入れよう。

Casual

"羽を伸ばす"

— To stretch one's wings; to enjoy oneself freely on holiday.

休みには羽を伸ばしたい。

Common

"骨を休める"

— Literally 'to rest one's bones'; similar to 'hone-yasume'.

週末はゆっくり骨を休める。

Casual

"閑古鳥が鳴く"

— The cuckoos are singing (meaning a shop is so quiet it's like a holiday).

店は休みのように閑古鳥が鳴いている。

Idiomatic

"寝る間も惜しんで"

— Begrudging even the time to sleep (the opposite of taking a yasumi).

彼は寝る間も惜しんで働いた。

Literary

Fácil de confundir

休み vs 休暇 (Kyuuka)

Both mean 'vacation.'

Kyuuka is formal and often refers to authorized leave from a company or institution. Yasumi is the everyday word used by everyone.

休暇届を出す (Submit a leave request) vs 休みが欲しい (I want a break).

休み vs 休業 (Kyuugyou)

Both relate to not working.

Kyuugyou refers to a business or organization suspending operations temporarily. Yasumi refers to the individual's time off.

臨時休業 (Temporary closure) vs 私は休みです (I am off).

休み vs 欠席 (Kesseki)

Both can mean 'being away.'

Kesseki specifically means being absent from an event, class, or meeting where attendance was expected. Yasumi is more general and doesn't always imply an 'absence.'

授業を欠席する (To miss a class).

休み vs 暇 (Hima)

Both relate to free time.

Hima means 'leisure' or 'having nothing to do' (sometimes negatively). Yasumi is a scheduled or intentional period of rest.

暇な時に本を読む (Read when I have free time) vs 休みの日 (A day off).

休み vs 止まる (Tomaru)

Both can mean 'stop.'

Tomaru means to physically stop moving or functioning. Yasumi means to rest or take a holiday.

時計が止まる (The clock stops) vs 仕事を休む (To take a break from work).

Padrões de frases

[Day] は休みです。

日曜日は休みです。

[N] の休みに [V]。

冬休みにスキーをします。

休みを取る。

明日、休みを取ります。

休みがあるので [Reason]。

休みがあるので、映画を見ます。

休みの間、ずっと [V]。

休みの間、ずっと寝ていました。

休みを利用して [Action]。

休みを利用して、勉強しました。

休みが取れないほど [Adjective]。

休みが取れないほど忙しいです。

休み明けの [Noun]。

休み明けの仕事は大変だ。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

休憩 (Kyuukei)

休暇 (Kyuuka)

休日 (Kyuujitsu)

定休日 (Teikyuubi)

Verbos

休む (Yasumu - to rest)

休み尽くす (Yasumi-tsukusu - to rest completely)

休ませる (Yasumaseru - to let someone rest)

Adjetivos

休みがち (Yasumigachi - prone to taking days off/absenteeism)

Relacionado

眠り (Nemuri - sleep)

遊び (Asobi - play/leisure)

旅行 (Ryokou - travel)

癒やし (Iyashi - healing/relaxation)

暇 (Hima - free time)

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high. It is in the top 500 most used Japanese words.

Erros comuns

Using 'yasumi' as a verb: 'Watashi wa ashita yasumi-masu' to mean 'Tomorrow is my day off.' → Ashita wa yasumi desu.
While 'yasumimasu' is a verb, it usually means 'I will be absent' (perhaps due to illness). To state a scheduled day off, use the noun 'yasumi' with 'desu'.
Confusing 'yasumi' with 'neru' (to sleep). → Mou nemasu (I'm going to sleep now).
Learners often say 'Mou yasumi desu' thinking it means 'I'm sleeping now,' but it sounds like they are declaring a holiday.
Using 'yasumi' for a national holiday in formal writing. → 祝日 (Shukujitsu)
'Yasumi' is too casual for a formal report or an academic paper about national holidays. Use 'shukujitsu' or 'kyuujitsu'.
Forgetting the 'no' in 'Shigoto no yasumi'. → 仕事の休み
Unless it's an established compound like 'hiru-yasumi,' you need the particle 'no' to connect two nouns.
Using 'yasumi' when you mean a short intermission in a play. → 休憩 (Kyuukei)
While 'yasumi' is understandable, 'kyuukei' or 'maku-ai' is the correct term for theater intermissions.

Dicas

Use Particles Correctly

Remember to use 'wa' for the topic (Tomorrow is a holiday) and 'o' when you are the one taking the holiday (I will take a holiday).

The Omiyage Tradition

If you take a long 'yasumi' and travel, it is customary in Japan to bring back small snacks (omiyage) for your coworkers.

Asking for Leave

When asking for a day off, start with 'Moushiwake arimasen ga...' (I'm sorry, but...) to show you understand it might affect others.

Compound Words

Learn seasonal breaks as single words: Natsu-yasumi, Fuyu-yasumi, Haru-yasumi. They are used much more than 'Summer holiday' in English.

Recognize the Kanji

The kanji 休 is very common on shop shutters. If you see it, the shop is likely closed! Save yourself a trip by checking the sign.

Pitch Accent

The pitch drops on the 'mi' in 'yasumi.' Practicing this will make you sound less like a foreigner and more like a native.

Train Announcements

Listen for 'unten-yasumi' during bad weather. It means the train service is suspended. It's a vital word for travelers.

Calendar Marking

When marking your own calendar in Japanese, just write '休' to save space. It's the universal symbol for 'day off.'

Greeting Coworkers

On the first day back after a 'yasumi,' it's polite to say 'O-yasumi arigatou gozaimashita' (Thank you for the time off) to your team.

Context is King

Remember that 'yasumi' can mean a break, a holiday, or an absence. Always look at the surrounding words to know which one it is.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a person (亻) leaning against a tree (木). When you see a tree, you want to sit under it for a 'yasumi.'

Associação visual

Imagine a salaryman sitting on a park bench under a large green tree, holding a lunch box. That is his 'hiru-yasumi.'

Word Web

Rest Tree Person Holiday Break Absence Night School

Desafio

Try to use the word 'yasumi' in three different contexts today: once for a break, once for a future holiday, and once as a greeting.

Origem da palavra

The word 'yasumi' is the nominalized form (ren'youkei) of the verb 'yasumu' (休む). This verb has its roots in Old Japanese, where it meant to stop, pause, or find a place of shelter. The kanji character '休' is a phono-semantic compound representing a person (人) leaning against a tree (木), which is a vivid pictorial representation of taking a rest.

Significado original: To cease activity and find shade or support.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'yasumu' (verb) regarding work; it can sound like you are calling in sick. Use 'yasumi o toru' for planned vacations.

In English, we distinguish between 'break,' 'holiday,' and 'vacation.' Japanese often uses 'yasumi' for all three, which can be confusing for learners.

The movie 'Roman Holiday' is titled 'Ro-ma no Kyuuka' in Japanese, using the formal term. The song 'Natsu Yasumi' by Takuro Yoshida is a nostalgic anthem about summer breaks. The concept of 'Premium Friday' was a government initiative to encourage taking a 'yasumi' on Friday afternoons.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At a Restaurant

今日は休みですか？
定休日はいつですか？
中休みはありますか？
お盆休みは営業していますか？

At the Office

来週、休みをいただきたいです。
昼休みは何時からですか？
休み明けに確認します。
有給休みを取りたいです。

At School

休み時間に遊びましょう。
夏休みは何をしますか？
冬休みはいつからですか？
風邪で休みました。

With Friends

次の休み、暇？
いい休みだった？
休みの日、何してるの？
三連休、どっか行く？

Greetings

おやすみなさい。
よいお休みを。
ゆっくり休んでね。
お休み、満喫してね。

Iniciadores de conversa

"次の休みはいつですか？ (When is your next day off?)"

"休みの日はいつも何をしていますか？ (What do you usually do on your days off?)"

"一番長かった休みは何日間でしたか？ (What was your longest holiday ever?)"

"夏休みはどこかに行く予定ですか？ (Are you planning to go anywhere for summer vacation?)"

"理想の休みの過ごし方は何ですか？ (What is your ideal way to spend a day off?)"

Temas para diário

今日の休みは何をしましたか？詳しく書いてください。 (What did you do on your day off today? Write in detail.)

あなたが一番好きな休み（夏、冬、春）とその理由を書いてください。 (Write about your favorite holiday season and why.)

休みが全くなかったら、あなたの生活はどうなりますか？ (What would your life be like if you had no holidays at all?)

次の長い休みに行きたい場所について書いてください。 (Write about a place you want to go during your next long break.)

「休み」と「仕事」のどちらが大切だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more important, 'rest' or 'work'?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'yasumi' means a holiday or a break from work/school. To say you are sleeping, use 'neteru' or 'suimin-chuu.' However, 'Oyasumi nasai' is used when someone is going to sleep.

'Natsu-yasumi' is the common term used by students and for general summer breaks. 'Natsu-kyuuka' is a formal term often used in corporate settings to describe the official summer leave provided by the company.

You can say 'Kongetsu wa yasumi ga arimasen' or more naturally 'Kongetsu wa yasumi nashi desu.' Both indicate a lack of holidays.

Yes, while the formal term is 'shukujitsu,' people in daily conversation will say 'Ashita wa yasumi desu' to mean it's a national holiday.

Yes, if a shop has a sign saying 'Honjitsu Yasumi,' it means they are closed for the day. It's the standard way to indicate a business is not operating.

It refers to the period or the specific day right after a long holiday ends, like the first day back at work after New Year's.

Not if you use polite language. In Japan, you should say 'Yasumi o itadakemasu ka?' (May I receive a holiday?) rather than 'Yasumi ga hoshii' (I want a holiday).

The most common term is 'hiru-yasumi' (昼休み). You can also use 'ranchi-taimu' (ランチタイム), but 'hiru-yasumi' is more standard.

It is a collection of four national holidays within seven days at the end of April and beginning of May, creating a long 'yasumi' for most people.

You can, but 'kyuukei' (休憩) is more precise for very short intervals. However, saying 'chotto yasumi' is perfectly natural.

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