How to say "vacation" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 休暇きゅうかJLPT N3approx.Common
    nounCovers 'vacation' as a period of time off from work or one's duties. The word you use when taking or requesting leave from a job, such as a week away from the office.
    私は休暇きゅうかで出でかけていました。↗
    I was out of town on vacation.
  • nounA loanword from French, it covers 'vacation' as a leisurely holiday spent traveling or relaxing, rather than a day off from work. Fits a summer holiday at a resort or a trip abroad.
  • 休みやすみJLPT N5approx.Common
    nounRefers to a day off or holiday from work or school, including the long summer holidays. It also covers an absence or a temporary suspension of an activity.
    今度こんどの休やすみはどこへ行いくの?↗
    Where are you going on your vacation?

Use 「休み」 for days off and school holidays, 休暇 for time off or leave from work, and 「バカンス」 for a leisurely vacation spent traveling or at a resort.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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