쉬다 (swi-da, swida) · 휴식하다 (hyu-sik-ha-da, hyusikhada)
'쉬다' is a casual, natural way to express resting, whereas '휴식하다' is mainly used in formal or official contexts.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To take a break or rest briefly in everyday situations to relieve fatigue or tension
When to use
casual conversation, break during exercise, short rest, relieving fatigue
The nuance
쉬다 is commonly used in spoken language and fits short breaks or brief pauses.
To take a rest in formal or official contexts, often implying a scheduled or regulated break
When to use
official reports, regulated workplace breaks, health care recommendations, legal rest periods
The nuance
휴식하다 is used in written or formal contexts and is appropriate for longer or planned rests.
운동하다가 조금 쉬었어요.
un-dong-ha-da-ga jo-geum swi-eoss-eo-yo., un dong ha da ga jo geum swi eoss eo yo.
Using 쉬다 in a casual exercise break is natural.
회의 중에 휴식했어요.
hoe-ui jung-e hyu-sik-haess-eo-yo., hoe ui jung e hyu sik haess eo yo.
For a short break during a meeting, 쉬다 fits better; 휴식하다 sounds awkward.
직장에서 정해진 시간에 휴식합니다.
jik-jang-e-seo jeong-hae-jin si-gan-e hyu-sik-hap-ni-da., jik jang e seo jeong hae jin si gan e hyu sik hap ni da.
Formal, scheduled rest at work suits 휴식하다.
피곤해서 잠깐 휴식했어요.
pi-gon-hae-seo jam-kkan hyu-sik-haess-eo-yo., pi gon hae seo jam kkan hyu sik haess eo yo.
For a short, informal rest, 쉬다 should be used.
주말에는 집에서 쉬어요.
ju-mal-e-neun jip-e-seo swi-eo-yo., ju mal e neun jip e seo swi eo yo.
A natural expression for casual weekend rest.
의사는 환자에게 충분히 휴식하라고 권고했다.
ui-sa-neun hwan-ja-e-ge chung-bun-hi hyu-sik-ha-ra-go gwon-go-haess-da., ui sa neun hwan ja e ge chung bun hi hyu sik ha ra go gwon go haess da.
휴식하다 fits formal advice from a doctor.
잠깐 휴식하고 다시 일하자.
jam-kkan hyu-sik-ha-go da-si il-ha-ja., jam kkan hyu sik ha go da si il ha ja.
For a short break, 쉬다 is more natural.
등산 중간에 쉬었다가 다시 출발했다.
deung-san jung-gan-e swi-eoss-da-ga da-si chul-bal-haess-da., deung san jung gan e swi eoss da ga da si chul bal haess da.
A natural way to say resting during hiking.
Which word is appropriate for a short break during a meeting?
Which word is used in official documents for scheduled rest times?
Which word describes briefly stopping after exercise to relieve fatigue?
