Translation and Meaning of: 休暇 - kyuuka

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the culture of the country, you have probably come across the word 休暇 (きゅうか). It is frequently used in everyday life and in formal contexts, but do you know exactly what it means and how to apply it? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this expression, as well as tips for memorizing it easily. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to master the language naturally.

What does 休暇 mean and how to use it?

The word 休暇 (きゅうか) can be translated as "time off" or "leave", but its meaning goes a bit beyond that. It is commonly used to refer to periods of absence from work or study, whether for a day or for longer vacations. Unlike 休み (やすみ), which is a more generic term for "rest", 休暇 carries a more formal and structured tone.

In the Japanese corporate environment, it is common to hear phrases like 有給休暇 (ゆうきゅうきゅうか), which means "paid leave." This type of expression reinforces how the word is connected to labor rights and authorized breaks. If you are writing an email to your boss, for example, you can use 休暇 to politely and clearly request a day off.

The origin and the kanji of 休暇

Analyzing the kanjis that make up 休暇, it becomes easier to understand its meaning. The first character, 休, means "to rest" or "to stop," while 暇 can be translated as "free time" or "leisure." Together, they form the concept of a planned break from everyday obligations. This combination is not random—it reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on the balance between work and rest.

It is worth noting that 暇 alone can also be used in informal contexts, such as in the phrase 暇ですか？ (ひまですか？), which means "Are you free?". However, 休暇 is more specific and less versatile, mainly appearing in situations involving official leave from activities.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to solidify 休暇 is to associate it with real situations. For example, think about how the Japanese value "Golden Week" (ゴールデンウィーク), a period of consecutive holidays in April and May. This is a great example of 休暇 in action—a collectively recognized and socially accepted break.

Another curiosity is that, although Japan is known for its intense work ethic, the word 休暇 shows that there is room for necessary breaks. In recent years, even the government has encouraged the use of 有給休暇 to combat excessive overtime, revealing a cultural shift in progress.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 休み (yasumi) - Rest, break; usually refers to free time from work or school.
• 休息 (kyūsoku) - Physical rest; a break to relax.
• 休憩 (kyūkei) - Break; a moment of rest in activities, such as during work.
• 休日 (kyūjitsu) - Day off; holiday, a day without work obligations.
• 休止 (kyūshi) - Break or temporary suspension of an activity.
• 休養 (kyūyō) - Recovery, extended rest for rehabilitation or health recovery.
• 休眠 (kyūmin) - Inactivity or hibernation; a pause state during which there is no activity.

休暇

Romaji: kyuuka
Kana: きゅうか
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: holiday; day off; furlough

Meaning in English: holiday;day off;furlough

Definition: A period of time to rest from activities such as work or school.

Example Sentences - (休暇) kyuuka

See below some example sentences:

私は休暇を楽しみにしています。

Watashi wa kyuuka wo tanoshimi ni shiteimasu

I am anxious

I'm looking forward to the holidays.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 休暇 - Japanese noun meaning "vacation"
• を - direct object particle indicating that "férias" is the direct object of the action
• 楽しみ - Japanese verb that means "to have fun" or "to look forward to"
• に - particle that indicates the target or goal of the action, in this case, "vacation"
• しています - compound verb indicating an ongoing action, in this case, "I am eagerly waiting for the holidays"