Translation and Meaning of: 休む - yasumu
The word 「休む」 (yasumu) is a Japanese verb that conveys the idea of "resting" or "taking a break." Its etymology traces back to the combination of two kanji: 「亻」 which represents the idea of a "person" (and is a radical derived from the kanji for "man," 「人」) and 「木」 which means "tree." Visually, one can imagine a person leaning or resting under a tree, a pictorial representation of the act of resting in nature.
In addition to this main meaning of rest, 「休む」 also extends to other contexts, such as "taking time off from work or school" or "missing a commitment." In daily life, this word is widely used to express the need for a break, whether it is physical, mental, or in a broader context of absence for various reasons.
The verb 「休む」 belongs to the conjugation of 五段 (godan) type verbs, which are known for their regular variations in different verb forms. In addition to its root use as an action of resting, it also derives from various grammatical forms, such as 「休んで」 (yasunde, which is the te form) to indicate a polite request, or even 「休まない」 (yasumanai) which is the negative form, implying "not resting."
Variations and Common Use
- 「休み」 (yasumi): A noun that means "rest" or "holiday". This term is very common in the school and work context in Japan.
- 「休養」 (kyuuyou): Means "recovery" or a longer period of rest, often used in the context of health recovery.
- "休日" (kyuujitsu): Refers to a "day off" or "holiday".
The broad understanding of 「休む」 exemplifies the cultural importance of rest in Japanese society, where the balance between work and leisure is considered essential for personal well-being. Thus, this word not only reflects a physical state of rest but also a life philosophy that emphasizes the need for breaks for renewal and introspection.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 休む (yasumu) - Rest, relax; it can refer to stopping working or doing something to unwind.
- 休息する (kyuusoku suru) - Take a break to rest; it emphasizes the act of recovering energy.
- 休憩する (kyuukei suru) - Take a break, usually brief during work or activity; it is more related to a short interval.
- 休暇を取る (kyuuka o toru) - Taking a vacation; refers to a longer period of rest from work or obligations.
- 休止する (kyuushi suru) - Interrupt, pause; it can refer to a temporary suspension of activities.
Related words
Romaji: yasumu
Kana: やすむ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: rest; have a break; take a day off; be completed; be absent; retire; to sleep
Meaning in English: to rest;to have a break;to take a day off;to be finished;to be absent;to retire;to sleep
Definition: Stop working or activity and take a break.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (休む) yasumu
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (休む) yasumu:
Example Sentences - (休む) yasumu
See below some example sentences:
Koshikakete yukkuri to yasumu
Sit and rest slowly.
Sit down and rest slowly.
- 腰掛けて - sit down
- ゆっくりと - slowly
- 休む - rest
Watashi wa ashita yasumeru
I can rest tomorrow.
I will rest tomorrow.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 明日 - substantive that means "tomorrow"
- 休める - verb meaning "to be able to rest"
Kyūsoku wa taisetsu desu
Resting is important.
Resting is important.
- 休息 - means "rest" in Japanese
- は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 大切 - means "important" or "precious" in Japanese
- です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating an affirmation
yukkuri to yasunde kudasai
Please rest slowly.
Please rest slowly.
- ゆっくりと - adverb that means "slowly" or "gradually"
- 休んで - "Rest" - indicating an order or request to rest.
- ください - particle indicating a polite request or solicitation
Doyōbi wa yasumi desu
Saturday is a day off.
It is closed on Saturday.
- 土曜日 - Saturday
- は - Topic particle
- 休み - rest, time off
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
