休養

きゅうよう

rest, break, recreation

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"休養" (きゅうよう) means rest or recuperation, often implying a break from work or daily stress to recover physical or mental health. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, recovery, and taking a break.

Common Contexts

You will often see "休養" used when talking about recovering from illness, taking a vacation for health reasons, or simply resting after hard work. It is a more formal and somewhat medical or health-related term compared to casual words like "休み".

Collocations and Patterns

  • 休養を取る: to take rest or recuperation
  • 休養が必要: rest is necessary
  • 休養期間: period of rest

These collocations emphasize the importance or duration of rest.

Register and Nuance

"休養" is polite and formal, suitable for written language, medical advice, or professional contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where "休み" or "休憩" might be used.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "休養" with "休憩" (short break) or "休み" (holiday, break). Remember, "休養" implies rest for recovery, often longer and more restorative than a simple break.

Example Sentences

ながいしごとのあとで、しっかりきゅうようをとることがたいせつです。

After a long work period, it is important to take proper rest.

いしゃはびょうきのかいふくのためにきゅうようをすすめました。

The doctor recommended rest for recovery from illness.

なつやすみにおんせんできゅうようするのがたのしみです。

I look forward to resting at a hot spring during summer vacation.