休暇 — meaning in English: A vacation

kyūka · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for leave

所有権

shoyuken

写真

shashin

章

shō

砂

suna

休暇

kyūka

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 休暇 (kyūka) in both casual conversations and in professional settings to talk about taking time off work or school for relaxation or travel. For instance, a colleague might say, 'I'm planning to take a 休暇 next month to visit Okinawa,' indicating a planned break from routine activities.

Synonyms & nuances

While 休暇 (kyūka) specifically refers to vacation time, the word 休日 (kyūjitsu) is used for public holidays or days off in general. You would choose 休暇 when discussing a planned vacation, whereas 休日 might come up in the context of a day off work without the connotation of travel or leisure.

Culture

The concept of 休暇 (kyūka) is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where work-life balance is increasingly valued. Interestingly, the word combines the characters for 'rest' (休) and 'holiday' (暇), reflecting a cultural shift towards taking breaks for mental and physical well-being, especially as more Japanese people prioritize vacations in recent years.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 休暇 and 休み?

休暇 (kyūka) refers specifically to a vacation or planned time off, while 休み (yasumi) is a more general term for any break or holiday. Use 休暇 when discussing vacations or formal leave, and 休み for casual breaks.

Q.How do I use 休暇 in a sentence?

You can use 休暇 in sentences like: '来月、休暇を取ります' (I will take a vacation next month) or '休暇中に旅行します' (I will travel during my vacation).

Q.Is 休暇 used in both spoken and written Japanese?

Yes, 休暇 is common in both spoken and written Japanese. It's versatile enough for casual conversations and formal documents, making it a useful word to know.

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