휴일
hyuil[çuiɭ]
The English phrase holiday is translated into Korean as 휴일 (hyuil).
휴일 is a broad term used to describe a holiday or a day off. It can refer to official holidays as well as a person's own scheduled days off from work.
Meaning: period of one or more days taken off work for leisure and often travel (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 휴일 refers to a day off in general, 공휴일 is specifically used to refer to official public holidays designated by the government. If you are talking about a period of multiple holidays occurring in a row, such as a long weekend or a multi-day holiday period, the term 연휴 is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the formal term 휴일 is used just as it is in South Korea.
How do you pronounce it?
hyuil
Did you know?
- The character for rest 休 is a compound ideograph depicting a 'person' 人 leaning against a 'tree' 木.
- In South Korea, the government can designate 'temporary public holidays' 임시공휴일 on short notice to boost domestic spending and tourism.
- In South Korea, many official holidays are actually 'red days' on the calendar, known as 빨간 날 (red days), because they are printed in red ink to distinguish them from regular work days.
Examples in context
- 즐거운 휴일 되세요!Have a pleasant holiday!
- 이번 휴일에는 어디에 가요?ibeon hyuileneun eodie gayo?Where are you going this holiday?
- 다음 휴일은 언제예요?daeum hyurireun eonjeyeyo?When is the next holiday?
- 휴일에 집에서 푹 쉬었어요.hyurire jipeseo puk swieosseoyo.I rested well at home on the holiday.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are talking about their upcoming plans at the office.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 이번 휴일 계획이 있어요?Hyunwoo ssi, ibeon hyuil gyehoeği isseoyo?Hyunwoo, do you have plans for this holiday?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 친구들과 여행을 가요.Ne, chingudeulgwa yeohaengeul gayo.Yes, I am going on a trip with friends.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 좋겠네요!Jeongmal joketneyo!That sounds wonderful!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨는 휴일에 뭐 해요?Subin ssineun hyurire mwo haeyo?What are you doing on the holiday, Subin?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 휴일, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
