休憩する
kyūkei suru
To take a break in Japanese is 休憩する (kyūkei suru).
休憩する is used to describe having a short rest period during an activity, such as work. For a slightly shorter or minor rest, you can use 小休憩する. You may also see the form 休憩中 on signs or in messages to indicate that someone or a shop is currently in the middle of a break period.
Meaning: to have a short rest period in one's work (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun 休憩 (kyūkei), which literally means 'rest' or 'break'.
Which one should you use?
休憩する is specifically used for short breaks during an ongoing activity.
How do you pronounce it?
kyūkei suru
Did you know?
- When taking a break from a conversation or a formal meeting, Japanese speakers may use the word 中座 (chūza), which literally means 'leaving the middle of the seat'.
- While 休憩する is used for scheduled breaks, if you want to suggest taking a quick, spontaneous breather, you might use the phrase 一息つく (hitoiki tsuku), which literally means 'to take one breath'.
- In Japanese offices, the 'break' is often tied to the custom of お茶 (o-cha), where serving tea to colleagues serves as a social lubricant to signal the start of a rest period.
Examples in context
- 休憩する時間なんてないよ。We don't have time to take a break.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is no time available for the form 休憩する.Tatoeba #11345199 by bunbuku, translation #6346939 by CK
- 会議の中で疲れたら、休憩をとってください。When you feel tired during the meeting, please take a break.
- タスクを終えた後は、一休みしてから次に進んでください。After finishing your task, please take a break before moving on to the next one.
- 明日は一緒に公園で遊んだ後、休憩しましょう。Let's take a break after playing at the park tomorrow.
- 少し休憩する。sukoshi kyuukei suru.I will take a short break.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
