휴식
hyusik[çuɕʰik̚]
The English word "rest" can be translated into Korean as 휴식 (hyusik).
휴식 refers to relief from exertion or a state of quiet and recreation. In natural Korean speech, this noun is most commonly paired with the verb 취하다 to form the collocation 휴식을 취하다, which means "to take a rest".
Meaning: relief from exertion, state of quiet and recreation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 휴식 is a formal noun, the verb 쉬다 is the much more common and everyday way to say "to rest" or "to take a break" in spoken Korean. Additionally, the word 휴일 should be used specifically when you mean a day off or a public holiday.
How do you pronounce it?
hyusik
Did you know?
- The verb 쉬다 used for resting also means 'to smell' when describing food that has gone bad. Context is the only way to tell if someone is resting or if the milk is spoiled.
- While 휴식 is general, Korean has a specific term called 멍때리기 for a particular kind of rest. It describes the act of 'spacing out' or emptying the mind to recover from mental fatigue.
- In Korea, the concept of 'rest' often involves 찜질방, or heated sauna rooms, where people spend entire days sleeping and relaxing in communal spaces.
Examples in context
- 톰은 휴식을 취하고 있다.Tom is taking a rest.This sentence shows how to use 휴식 to describe someone taking a rest.Tatoeba #11105883 by intertime, translation #1663074 by Amastan
- 휴식을 좀 취해.Get some rest.This sentence uses 휴식 to tell someone to get some rest.Tatoeba #11106378 by intertime, translation #1553506 by CK
- 저는 매주 일요일에 휴식을 취합니다.I take a rest every Sunday.
- 가끔은 일상에서 벗어나서 쉬어야 해.Sometimes you need to take a break from your daily routine.
- 시험 준비하느라 너무 힘들어. 잠깐 쉬고 다시 시작해야겠어.I'm exhausted from preparing for the exam. I need to rest for a moment and start again.
- 잠깐의 휴식이 필요해요.jamkkanui hyusigi piryohaeyo.I need a short rest.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking at a cafe during a busy workday.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 너무 열심히 일하는 것 같아요.Jihun ssi, neomu yeolsimhi ilhaneun geot gatayo.Jihun, I think you are working too hard.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 지금 휴식이 절실해요.Majayo. Jigeum hyusigi jeolsilhaeyo.That's right. I desperately need a rest right now.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 우리 커피 한 잔 마실까요?Geureom uri keopi han jan masilkkayo?Then, shall we have a cup of coffee?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요. 수빈 씨도 같이 가요.Joayo. Subin ssi-do gachi gayo.Good. You come too, Subin.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 휴식, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
