休暇

きゅうか

vacation, holiday, day off

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding 休暇

The word 休暇 (xiūjià) specifically refers to a period of rest from work or daily duties, such as a vacation, holiday, or day off. It is commonly used in formal or workplace contexts to describe official leave or breaks.

Usage and Nuances

休暇 often implies an authorized or planned break, such as paid leave or public holidays. It is more formal than just saying "day off" casually and is frequently used in employment or government settings.

Common Collocations

  • 带薪休暇 (dàixīn xiūjià): paid leave, emphasizing salary during the break.
  • 年度休暇 (niándù xiūjià): annual leave, the yearly vacation entitlement.
  • 法定休暇 (fǎdìng xiūjià): statutory holiday, legally mandated days off.

Practical Tips

When using 休暇, it often appears in contexts discussing work schedules, company policies, or travel plans. Avoid confusing it with casual rest words like 休息, which means to rest but not necessarily a formal leave period.

Common Confusion

休暇 vs 休息: 休暇 is a formal leave period, while 休息 means to rest or take a break momentarily. For example, "我需要休息一下" means "I need to rest a bit," but "我申请休暇" means "I apply for leave."

Example Sentences

I plan to go to the seaside next month for a few days of vacation.

The company stipulates that employees have ten days of paid leave each year.

During holidays, many people choose to go home and spend their vacation with family.