Japanese word

休暇

Pronunciation

Romajikyūka

Meaning

  • nounvacation

Example

来月、休暇を取ります。rai getsu kyū ka o to ri ma su

I will take a vacation next month.

Illustration for 休暇 (vacation)

More examples

今年の休暇を家族と楽しみます。kotoshi no kyū ka o ka zoku to tano shi mi ma su

I enjoy this year's vacation with my family.

休暇中は家族とゆっくり過ごします。kyū ka chū wa ka zoku to yu kku ri su go shi ma su

I spend time relaxing with my family during my vacation.

Core concept

Describes a period away from work or school that is set aside for rest and personal activities.

Common phrases

  • 休暇を取るkyū ka o to ru

    take a vacation

  • 休暇に入るkyū ka ni hai ru

    go on vacation

  • 休暇を申請するkyū ka o shin sei su ru

    apply for leave

Similar words

休みyasumi: An informal term for time away from work or school, including a short break or a longer period off.
休日kyūjitsu: A day or period when work or school is not scheduled.

Definition in Japanese

仕事や学校を休み、自由な時間を過ごす期間。shi goto ya gak kō o yasu mi ji yū na ji kan o su go su ki kan

Word origin

休暇 (kyūka, "time off") combines 休 (kyū, "rest") and 暇 (ka, "free time").

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 休暇 (kyūka) sounds more formal than 休み (yasumi), so workplaces often use it in official notices and leave requests.

Other meanings

  • time offnoun
  • leavenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word