Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 쉬는 날 | swineun nal | |
| 휴일 | hyuil | [çuiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, there are different ways to refer to a day off depending on whether you are describing a general day of rest or an official holiday. While 쉬는 날 is a common way to describe a day off, the word 휴가 is used specifically for vacation or extended time off from work.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 쉬는 날 is composed of the verb 쉬다, which means 'to rest' and the noun 날, which means 'day', literally translating to 'a day of resting'.
Which one should you use?
휴일 is typically used for official holidays or scheduled days off, whereas 쉬는 날 is a more general, descriptive way to say 'a day one rests'. Additionally, 휴가 should be used when you specifically mean a vacation or a longer break from work rather than just a single day off.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
휴일 is a formal term suitable for both written and spoken language, often appearing in official contexts like news or company announcements. In contrast, 쉬는 날 is a phrase used among friends and in everyday, casual conversations.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'It is a day off,' you can use the plain/informal form 쉬는 날이다 or the polite form 쉬는 날이에요.
How do you pronounce it?
swineun nal
Did you know?
- In North Korea, the reading of the character for 'day' is standardized as 랄 (ral), whereas in South Korea it is 날 (nal).
Examples in context
- 맛있는 음식이 있는 쉬는 날이 최고야!A day off with delicious food is the best!
- 내일은 쉬는 날이에요.Tomorrow is my day off.
- 내일은 드디어 쉬는 날이에요.naeil-eun deudieo swineun nal-ieyo.Tomorrow is finally my day off.
- 쉬는 날에는 보통 뭐 해요?swineun nal-eneun botong mwo haeyo?What do you usually do on your days off?
- 이번 쉬는 날은 집에서 쉴 거예요.ibeon swineun nal-eun jib-eseo swil geoyeyo.I am going to rest at home on this day off.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are talking about their weekend plans.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이번 주 쉬는 날이 언제예요?Minji ssi, ibeon ju swineun nal-i eonjeyeyo?Minji, when is your day off this week?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 토요일이 쉬는 날이에요.Jeoneun toyoil-i swineun nal-ieyo.My day off is Saturday.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 토요일에 같이 영화 볼까요?Geureom toyoil-e gatchi yeonghwa bolkkayo?Then, shall we watch a movie together on Saturday?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요, 현우 씨!Joayo, Hyunwoo ssi!That sounds good, Hyunwoo!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “day off” translations and entries 휴일, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 날, 휴일, CC BY-SA 4.0.
