1.
break time; rest period; recess
A scheduled period of rest during work, school, or an event.
休憩時間は十五分です。
The break time is fifteen minutes.
休憩時間にコーヒーを買いに行った。
I went to buy coffee during the break.
労働基準法では、六時間を超える勤務には休憩時間が義務付けられている。
Under the Labor Standards Act, a break is mandatory for work exceeding six hours.
休憩時間 is a compound of 休憩 (rest, break) + 時間 (time, period). It refers to a scheduled break in workplaces, schools, theaters, and conferences.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 休憩時間を取る: to take a break
- 休憩時間に入る: to go on break
- 昼の休憩時間: lunch break
- 休憩時間が終わる: break time is over
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 休憩: break, rest (the break itself, without emphasis on the time period)
- 休み時間: break time (more casual, common in schools)
- 昼休み: lunch break (specifically midday)
NOTE:
Under Japan's 労働基準法 (Labor Standards Act), employers must provide a 45-minute break for shifts over 6 hours and a 60-minute break for shifts over 8 hours.