休息 (xiū xi) means to rest or take a break. 休 means to cease work and 息 means breath or rest. Together they describe pausing from activity to recover energy. It is used for short breaks (休息一下, take a quick break), longer rest periods (好好休息, rest well), and time off (休息日, day off). The polite phrase 请休息 suggests someone should rest. Related: 休假 (xiū jià, to take a holiday), 放松 (fàng sōng, to relax).