How to say "recess" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 隅すみnoun, noun (suffix)Covers only the physical sense: a corner, nook, or recessed space in a room or wall. It is never the word for a break from school or work.
- 休憩きゅうけいnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe general word for a break: a pause to rest during work or an activity, also an intermission. Choose this for 'recess' in the break sense.
- 休みやすみnounA broad word for rest or respite; it can mean a recess or break from activity, but it is less specific than 休憩 about the break itself.
- 休会きゅうかいnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe formal sense: the recess or adjournment of a meeting, session, or deliberative body such as a legislature. Not used for breaks at school or work.
- 休憩時間きゅうけいじかんnounRefers to the break time itself — the allotted period for rest during the workday or school day, or an intermission — rather than the act of resting.学生たちは今休憩時間中です。↗The students are having a recess now.
Use 隅 for a physical nook or recess in a room, 休憩 and 休憩時間 for breaks from work or school, 「休み」 for rest or respite generally, and 休会 for the formal adjournment or recess of a meeting or legislature.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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