Word
休養
Meaning in Englishrest, break, recreation
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
休養 means rest and recuperation; it refers to taking time away from activity to restore physical or mental health.
Main meanings
- rest and recuperation to restore physical or mental health
- time off from work, study, or sport to recover or relax
- in medical or wellness contexts, the deliberate act of pausing activity for recovery
How to use it
Used in formal and everyday contexts to describe taking a break for health, recovery from illness or injury, athletic rehabilitation, or general relaxation; commonly paired with をとる to indicate taking rest; it appears in medical reports, sports articles, HR communications, and self-help discussions.
Variants and close terms
- 静養 (seiyō) — near synonym with nuance of peaceful recuperation
- 休息 (kyūsoku) — rest, general pause, less emphasis on recovery
- 養生 (yōjō) — health-preserving care, self-care
Composition
- 休 = rest, stop;
- 養 = nourish, foster;
Etymology
From 休 (rest) + 養 (nourishment), forming a compound that conveys the idea of nourishing rest; the on'yomi kyūyō reflects Chinese phonology.
Word class
Noun (名詞)
Related words by kanji and components
N2
お休み
oyasumi
holiday, absence; (exp.) Good night
N2
休業
kyuugyou
closure, shutdown, holiday
N2
休講
kyuukou
lecture canceled
N2
教養
kyouyou
culture, education, sophistication
N2
定休日
teikyuubi
regular holiday
N2
一休み
hitoyasumi
a rest
N2
養分
youbun
nourishment, nutrient
N3
栄養
eiyou
nutrition, nourishment
N3
休暇
kyuuka
vacation, leave, holiday