休憩（きゅうけい、kyuukei）
- break

The Japanese word 休憩 （きゅうけい） means "break," "rest," or "recess." It refers to a period of time during which one stops an activity to take a break and refresh oneself. This break can be for various purposes, such as relaxing, eating, or simply taking a breather. It is a common and versatile word used in many different contexts. 休憩 can refer to a short break, a longer rest period, or even a scheduled interval during a meeting or a work shift.

⚫︎ 仕事の休憩 Translation: Work break ⚫︎ 休憩時間 Translation: Break time ⚫︎ 10分間の休憩 Translation: A 10-minute break

You use 休憩 in situations when you need to take a break from work, study, or any other activity. It can be used to describe the act of taking a break, the time allocated for a break, or to suggest that someone should take a break. It's appropriate in both formal and informal settings, although the specific phrases used might vary depending on the level of formality. For example, in a formal setting, you might say 休憩 will start. In a casual setting, you might suggest 休憩 time!

休憩 is typically written using the kanji 休憩. The reading is きゅうけい in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word. The okurigana is standard, and there are no variations.

⚫︎ 休み（やすみ） - rest, holiday, vacation, break ⚫︎ 息抜き（いきぬき） - breather, relaxation ⚫︎ 小休止（しょうきゅうし） - short break, brief pause

⚫︎ 開始（かいし） - start, commencement ⚫︎ 作業（さぎょう） - work, operation ⚫︎ 活動（かつどう） - activity, action

会議の途中で15分間の休憩を取りましょう。 ・Translation: Let's take a 15-minute break in the middle of the meeting. ・Explanation: This sentence suggests a break is scheduled and specifies the duration.

疲れたから少し休憩しよう。 ・Translation: I'm tired, so let's take a little break. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 休憩 to suggest taking a break because one is tired.

The word 休憩 is a compound word. The first kanji, 休 (kyū), means "rest" or "break," and the second kanji, 憩 (kei), means "rest," "relaxation," or "recreation." Combining these characters, 休憩 conveys the meaning of taking a rest or break to relax and refresh.