休暇

• Reading: きゅうか
• Romaji: kyuuka
• Kanji breakdown: 休 (kyuu) — rest, break; 暇 (ka) — free time, leisure
• Pronunciation: /kʲɯː.ka/

Meaning

Holiday; vacation; time off. An authorized absence from work or school.

A noun more formal than 休み (yasumi, day off). Often used in workplace contexts for official leave. 有給休暇 (yuukyuu kyuuka) means paid leave. Japanese workers are known for not using all their 休暇, though attitudes are gradually changing.

Examples

1. 夏休みに一週間の休暇を取りました。 I took a week of vacation during summer break.
2. 休暇中は海外旅行に行く予定です。 I plan to travel abroad during my vacation.
3. 来週、休暇を申請したいのですが。 I'd like to request time off next week.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, travel planning, HR procedures

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 休 (kyuu, rest) and 暇 (ka, free time/leisure). Literally means rest during free time — a period away from duties.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Working age

Social background: Universal