Japanese word

休憩

Pronunciation

Romajikyūkei

Meaning

  • nounbreak

Example

少し休憩しましょう。suko shi kyū kei shi ma shō

Let's take a short break.

Illustration for 休憩 (break)

More examples

お昼の後に休憩を取ります。o hiru no ato ni kyū kei o to ri ma su

I take a break after lunch.

昼休みには休憩を取ります。hiru yasu mi ni wa kyū kei o to ri ma su

I take a break at lunchtime.

Core concept

Describes a temporary stop in work or another activity for physical or mental rest.

Common phrases

  • 休憩を取るkyū kei o to ru

    take a break

  • 休憩するkyū kei su ru

    take a break

  • 休憩を終えるkyū kei o o e ru

    end a break

Similar words

休みyasumi: A period when work or school stops, including time for rest or time away from regular duties.
ひと休みhitoyasumi: A short period of rest taken before continuing an activity.

Definition in Japanese

活動を一時中断して、心身を休めること。katsu dō o ichi ji chū dan shi te shin shin o yasu me ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 休憩 (kyūkei, "break") combines 休 (kyū, "rest") with 憩 (kei, "rest").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 休憩 (kyūkei) often means a planned pause during work, study, travel, or an outing rather than the end of the activity.

Word lists with this word