休

JLPT N5

Rest, holiday

Readings

On’yomi: キュウ (kyū)

Kun’yomi: やす(み), やす(む) (yasu(mi), yasu(mu))

やす(む) – to rest, to take a break やす(み) – rest, holiday, day off

Structure

Strokes: 6

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

休む

やすむ

rest

休日

きゅうじつ

holiday

休み

やすみ

rest/break

休憩

きゅうけい

break

夏休み

なつやすみ

summer vacation

Example Sentences

今日は休みます。

きょうはやすみます。

I rest today.

休日に旅行します。

きゅうじつにりょこうします。

I travel on holidays.

少し休憩します。

すこしきゅうけいします。

I take a short break.

Cultural Note

🌸 休 reflects Japanese attitudes toward work-life balance and rest — a concept that has evolved over time.
1. Traditionally:
o Japan has a strong work ethic, and “休む” used to be seen as something to earn, not to take freely.
o However, the cultural meaning of 休 is being re-embraced — rest is now seen as essential for maintaining productivity and health.
2. In daily life:
o You’ll often hear phrases like
 お休みなさい (おやすみなさい) – “Good night / Have a good rest.”
 休憩 (きゅうけい) – “break” (used at work or school).
3. In school/work:
o “休み時間” (やすみじかん) = recess or break time.
o Students cherish it, workers depend on it — a universal symbol of pause.