よく休む
often rest
Littéralement: well/often (yoku) + rest (yasumu)
Use this phrase to encourage healthy recovery or describe a balanced, well-rested lifestyle.
En 15 secondes
- Means both resting frequently and resting very deeply.
- Used to show genuine concern for someone's health.
- Essential for balancing the high-pressure Japanese lifestyle.
Signification
This phrase describes the act of taking breaks frequently or getting high-quality, restorative rest. It is a way to say someone is recharging their batteries properly or often.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Texting a tired friend
今日は無理しないで、よく休んでね。
Don't overdo it today; rest well, okay?
Talking to a boss after a vacation
おかげさまで、週末はよく休みました。
Thanks to you, I rested well over the weekend.
Describing your daily routine
私は健康のために、毎日よく休むようにしています。
I try to rest well every day for my health.
Contexte culturel
In Japanese culture, 'rest' is often framed as a responsibility to remain productive. While the 'salaryman' image suggests no sleep, modern Japan heavily emphasizes 'self-care' to prevent burnout. This phrase reflects a shift toward valuing mental and physical health.
The 'Yoku' Ambiguity
Remember that `yoku` can mean 'often' or 'well.' If you say it about a lazy person, it means 'often.' If you say it to a sick person, it means 'well/deeply.' Context is king!
Workplace Etiquette
In a Japanese office, avoid bragging that you `よく休む`. It might be misinterpreted as not being dedicated to the team. Use it for others, but be modest about yourself.
En 15 secondes
- Means both resting frequently and resting very deeply.
- Used to show genuine concern for someone's health.
- Essential for balancing the high-pressure Japanese lifestyle.
What It Means
よく休む is a versatile phrase with two main shades. First, it means to rest 'frequently.' Second, it means to rest 'well' or 'deeply.' It is about the quality and quantity of your downtime. If you sleep eight hours, you よく休む. If you take coffee breaks every hour, you also よく休む.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a standard verb combination. To tell a friend to rest, say よく休んでね. To report your own habits, say 私はよく休みます. It is very flexible. You can use it for sleep, vacations, or short breaks. It sounds caring and health-conscious.
When To Use It
Use it when a colleague looks exhausted after a project. Use it when texting a friend who has a cold. It is perfect for weekend small talk. If someone asks how you spent your Sunday, this is your go-to. It shows you value your health and balance.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if you want to sound like a workaholic. In a strict Japanese office, saying you よく休む might sound lazy. It implies you prioritize breaks over constant grinding. Also, do not use it for 'quitting' a job. That requires a different verb entirely.
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for long work hours and 'karoshi' (death from overwork). Because of this, よく休む has become a vital piece of advice. It is not just a suggestion; it is a wish for someone's survival. Taking breaks is seen as 'self-maintenance' for the collective good.
Common Variations
You will often hear よく休めましたか？ (Were you able to rest well?). Another common one is ゆっくり休んでください (Please rest slowly/thoroughly). The word yoku is the magic ingredient here. It turns a simple action into a healthy habit.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral but leans toward being polite when used with others. Be careful with 'yoku' as it can imply 'frequently' (maybe too much) if used in a negative context about someone else's work habits.
The 'Yoku' Ambiguity
Remember that `yoku` can mean 'often' or 'well.' If you say it about a lazy person, it means 'often.' If you say it to a sick person, it means 'well/deeply.' Context is king!
Workplace Etiquette
In a Japanese office, avoid bragging that you `よく休む`. It might be misinterpreted as not being dedicated to the team. Use it for others, but be modest about yourself.
The Power of 'Ne'
Adding `ね` (ne) to `よく休んで` makes it a 'soft' command. Without it, it can sound slightly clinical or bossy. Always add the `ne` for maximum warmth!
Exemples
6今日は無理しないで、よく休んでね。
Don't overdo it today; rest well, okay?
Adding 'ne' at the end makes it sound warm and friendly.
おかげさまで、週末はよく休みました。
Thanks to you, I rested well over the weekend.
The phrase 'okagesama de' adds a polite layer of gratitude.
私は健康のために、毎日よく休むようにしています。
I try to rest well every day for my health.
Using 'youni shiteimasu' shows it is an intentional habit.
テストが終わったから、今日はよく休みましょう。
The test is over, so let's get some good rest today.
The 'mashou' ending suggests a shared plan or strong suggestion.
君はいつも「よく休む」天才だね！
You're a genius at 'resting often', aren't you!
Using 'tensai' (genius) sarcastically adds a humorous bite.
昨日はよく休めましたか？
Were you able to get some good rest yesterday?
The potential form 'yasumemashita' asks if rest was actually possible.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form to tell a friend to 'rest well' casually.
疲れているみたいだね。今日は___。
The '~te ne' form is the standard way to give a friendly, soft command or suggestion.
How do you say 'I rested well' in a polite way?
昨日は___。
The past tense of the polite verb 'yasumimasu' is 'yasumimashita'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Resting Well'
Used with close friends or family.
よく休んで！
Safe for most daily interactions.
よく休みます。
Used with superiors or in business.
よく休ませていただきました。
When to use よく休む
After a long flight
ホテルでよく休む
When a friend is sick
家でよく休んでね
During a busy work week
昼休みによく休む
After a big exam
今日はよく休みましょう
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it can mean any form of recovery. You can よく休む by sitting on a park bench, taking a nap, or just staying home from work.
ゆっくりする means to relax or take it easy. よく休む focuses more on the physical recovery and the quality of the rest itself.
Yes, but use the polite form よく休んでください. It shows you care about their health, which is appreciated in Japanese culture.
You would say あまり休めませんでした (amari yasumemasen deshita). This means 'I wasn't able to rest much/well.'
よく is the adverb form of ii (good). In this context, it describes the 'good' or 'thorough' manner in which you are resting.
Yes, it is a basic A2 level collocation. It is one of the first ways you learn to express health habits and concern for others.
Usually, よく休む implies a more significant period of rest, like a full night's sleep or a whole afternoon. For 5 minutes, 休憩する (kyuukei suru) is better.
It is completely gender-neutral. Anyone can use it in any situation without sounding out of place.
The opposite would be 休まずに働く (yasumazu ni hataraku), which means 'to work without resting.'
Not really. 休む is generally for living things. For a machine, you would say 電源を切る (turn off the power) or 休止させる (put to sleep).
Expressions liées
ゆっくりする
to relax / take it easy
休憩を取る
to take a short break
体を大事にする
to take care of one's body
ぐっすり眠る
to sleep soundly
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement