おやすみ

• Reading: おやすみ
• Romaji: oyasumi
• Kanji breakdown: 休 (kyuu/yasu) — rest, break
• Pronunciation: /o.ja.sɯ.mi/

Meaning

Good night; also means holiday, day off, or absence.

As a greeting, おやすみ is casual and おやすみなさい is polite, both meaning 'good night.' As a noun, お休み refers to a day off, holiday, or absence from school or work. Context makes the meaning clear — said at bedtime it is a greeting, said about a schedule it means time off.

Examples

1. おやすみなさい、いい夢を見てね。 Good night, sweet dreams.
2. 明日はお休みだから遅くまで寝られる。 Tomorrow is a day off, so I can sleep in.
3. 田中さんは今日お休みです。 Mr. Tanaka is off today.

Usage Guide

Context: bedtime, days off, school absence

Tone: gentle

Origin & History

From the verb 休む (yasumu, 'to rest'). The お prefix adds politeness. The greeting sense comes from wishing someone restful sleep.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal