Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Rest" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "rest", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
休み
やすみ (yasumi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
休憩
きゅうけい (kyūkei)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "rest" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 休み and 休憩.
In Japanese, 休み (やすみ (yasumi)) is typically associated with "rest, holiday, absence" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A noun that can refer to a break, a day off from work or school, or a vacation/holiday period. It is the noun form of the verb 休む.
On the other hand, 休憩 (きゅうけい (kyūkei)) maps to "rest, break" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used with する as a verb. A literal translation of "rest" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "休み"
今日は会社が休みです。
Today is a holiday from work.
Bilingual Context for "休憩"
仕事の合間に少し休憩しましょう。
Let's take a short break between work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日は会社が ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "Today is a holiday from work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "休み" fits here because it means "rest, holiday, absence" in the context of: "Today is a holiday from work.". "休憩" represents "rest, break".