Translation and Meaning of: お休み - oyasumi

If you're learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you've probably come across the word お休み (おやすみ). This expression is quite common in daily life, but do you know everything about it? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, translation, and how it is used in Japanese culture. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its context in real conversations.

Meaning and translation of お休み (おやすみ)

The word お休み (おやすみ) is a polite way to say "good night" or "sleep well" in Japanese. It is derived from the verb 休む (やすむ), which means "to rest" or "to sleep." The prefix お (o) adds a tone of respect and courtesy, making the expression more suitable for formal situations or when speaking to older people.

In addition to being used as a nighttime farewell, おやすみ can also appear in contexts such as "day off" or "rest." For example, お休みの日 (おやすみのひ) means "day off." This versatility makes the word essential for anyone looking to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Origin and cultural use of お休み

The origin of お休み is linked to the verb 休む, which refers to the act of resting. The use of the honorific prefix お is common in many Japanese words, emphasizing the importance of politeness in the language. This construction is so frequent that even small children learn to say おやすみなさい (an even more formal version) before going to bed.

In Japan, saying おやすみ is a gesture of consideration, especially in family settings or among close friends. In animes and dramas, it's common to hear characters saying this word when saying goodbye at night. It's also worth mentioning that in more casual situations, young people may abbreviate it to おやすみ or even おやっす, showing how the language evolves over time.

Tips to memorize and use お休み

An effective way to remember お休み is to associate it with moments of nighttime farewells. If you watch animes or listen to music in Japanese, pay attention when the word appears. Repeating it out loud also helps, especially if you practice with natives or in study groups.

Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like おやすみなさい (good night) and お休みの日 (day off). This allows you to visualize the word in different contexts. Remember that while おやすみ is informal, adding なさい makes it more polite, which is useful in professional situations or with people you don’t know well.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 休暇 (Kyūka) - Vacation, period of rest, absence from work.
• 休み (Yasumi) - Rest, break, pause.
• 休息 (Kyūsoku) - Rest, a break to recharge energies.
• 休日 (Kyūjitsu) - Day off, holiday.
• 休止 (Kyūshi) - Interruption, temporary pause in an activity.
• 休憩 (Kyūkei) - Break, pause, usually in daily activities.
• 休養 (Kyūyō) - Recovery, time to restore health.
• 休息日 (Kyūsokubi) - Day of rest, a day designated for rest.
• 休業 (Kyūgyō) - Suspension of commercial activities or work.
• 休止日 (Kyūshibi) - Day of interruption, day when something is suspended.
• 休止期間 (Kyūshikikan) - Interruption period, the time during which something remains suspended.
• 休暇日 (Kyūkabitsu) - Holiday, a specific day when someone is on vacation.
• 休暇期間 (Kyūkakikan) - Holiday season, total time off for rest.
• 休暇中 (Kyūkachū) - During the holidays, currently on vacation.
• 休暇中の (Kyūkachū no) - Regarding during the holidays, something that happens while on vacation.
• 休暇明け (Kyūkaake) - After the holidays, the period shortly after returning.
• 休暇前 (Kyūkamae) - Before the holidays, the period leading up to the holidays.
• 休暇中に (Kyūkachū ni) - During the holidays, referring to events that happen during the holiday period.
• 休暇取得 (Kyūkashutoku) - Obtain vacation, the act of requesting or getting time off.
• 休暇制度 (Kyūkasseido) - Vacation system, regulations, and policies on how vacations are managed.
• 休暇申請 (Kyūkashinsei) - Vacation request, process of requesting time off.
• 休暇欠勤 (Kyūkakesshin) - Absence due to vacation, the act of being absent because of vacation.
• 休暇中の出来事 (Kyūkachū no dekigoto) - Events during the holidays, experiences or happenings while on vacation.
• 休暇中の過ごし方 (Kyūkachū no sugoshikata) - Ways to pass the time during the holidays, ways to make the most of the holidays.
• 休暇中の過ごし方について (Kyūkachū no sugoshikata ni tsuite) - About how to spend time during the holidays, discussions or advice on making the most of the holiday period.
• 休暇 (Kyūka) - Reiterating: vacation, a formal period of absence from work or school.

お休み

Romaji: oyasumi
Kana: おやすみ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: holiday; absence; rest; Goodnight

Meaning in English: holiday;absence;rest;Good night

Definition: A greeting used when taking a break from work or school.

Example Sentences - (お休み) oyasumi

See below some example sentences:

明日はお休みです。

Ashita wa oyasumi desu

Tomorrow is a day off.

It is closed tomorrow.

• 明日 - It means "tomorrow".
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "tomorrow"
• お休み - "means 'time off', 'rest'"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form