How to Say "Rest" in Japanese

休み

yasumi[ja̠sɨmʲi]

The English word 'rest' can be translated into Japanese using 休み (yasumi). Wiktionary also lists 休憩 (kyuukei).

Meaning: relief from exertion, state of quiet and recreation (noun)

Ways to say it

“rest” in Japanese
Japanese	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA
休み	yasumi	[ja̠sɨmʲi] (narrow)
休憩	kyuukei	[kʲɨːke̞ː] (narrow)

The term 'rest' can refer to a relief from exertion or a state of quiet and recreation.

休み is a broad term that can mean a short rest, a scheduled day off or a holiday.

The verb form 休む can mean both to take a rest and to be absent from school or work.

yasumi

The word 休憩 specifically refers to a short break during a task, and in many Japanese offices, there is a dedicated 休憩室 or 'rest room' that is not a bathroom.
Because 休む means both 'to rest' and 'to be absent', a person saying they are 'resting' might actually be providing a polite euphemism for calling in sick to work.
The word 休み can refer to a 'day off' and also be used to describe a business that is permanently closed.

休憩したい？
Do you want to rest?
This sentence uses 休憩.
Tatoeba #10183812 by bunbuku, translation #594680 by CK
一休みしよう。
Let's take a rest.
This sentence uses 休み.
Tatoeba #190670 by bunbuku, translation #27830 by CK
休憩したいよ。
I want to take a rest.
Tatoeba #2130918 by bunbuku, translation #267744 by CK
休憩してもいいですか？
May I take a break?
体を休めて静養する必要があります。
I need to rest and recuperate my body.
今日は家でゆっくり休もう。
Today, let's relax and rest at home.
明日はゆっくりお休みになってください。
Please take a good rest tomorrow.
明後日はのんびりしよう。
Let's take it easy the day after tomorrow.
39 more sentences on Tatoeba

Hiyori and Hiroto are studying together at a library.

陽葵 Himari

少し休みが必要だと思うよ。
Sukoshi yasumi ga hitsuyou da to omou yo.
I think we need a little rest.
大翔 Hiroto

そうだね。外の空気を吸おうか。
Sou da ne. Soto no kuuki o suou ka.
You're right. Shall we get some fresh air?
陽葵 Himari

いい考え！十分な休みを取ろう。
Ii kangae! Juubun na yasumi o torou.
Good idea! Let's take a proper rest.
大翔 Hiroto

賛成。また後で戻ってこよう。
Sansei. Mata ato de modotte koyou.
I agree. Let's come back later.

Sources

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