Translation guide
The act of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs. In Japanese, the most common word is 呼吸 (kokyuu), but there are also specific terms for breathing techniques, breath as a sign of life, and idiomatic expressions.
The physiological process of inhaling and exhaling.
The standard noun for 'breathing' or 'respiration'. Can be used in medical, everyday, and figurative contexts.
深呼吸をしてください。
Please take a deep breath.
呼吸が苦しいです。
I have difficulty breathing.
Literally 'breath', often used in phrases like 'take a breath' or 'hold your breath'. More concrete than 呼吸.
息を吸ってください。
Please breathe in.
息を止めないで。
Don't hold your breath.
Refers to the way one breathes, often implying audible breathing or breath sounds. Used in literary or descriptive contexts.
彼の息遣いが荒い。
His breathing is rough.
A specific method of breathing, often in martial arts, meditation, or sports.
Attach to a descriptor to form '~ breathing method'. Common in yoga, martial arts, etc.
腹式呼吸法を練習しています。
I'm practicing abdominal breathing.
Specifically 'taking a breath' during an activity, like swimming or playing a wind instrument.
泳ぐときの息継ぎが難しい。
Breathing while swimming is difficult.
Breathing as an indicator that someone is alive.
Literally 'has breath', meaning 'is breathing' or 'is alive'.
まだ息がある！救急車を呼んで！
He's still breathing! Call an ambulance!
Euphemism for 'to die', literally 'to take one's last breath'.
祖父は安らかに息を引き取りました。
My grandfather passed away peacefully.
A short rest or pause from pressure.
To take a breather; to pause for a short rest.
ちょっと一息つきましょう。
Let's take a breather.
A break or diversion to relieve stress; literally 'breath release'.
呼吸 (kokyuu) is the abstract process of respiration, while 息 (iki) is the physical breath. Use 呼吸 for medical or technical contexts, and 息 for everyday phrases like 'take a breath' or 'hold your breath'.
English uses 'breathing' in many figurative ways (e.g., 'breathing room', 'breathing down my neck'). These rarely translate directly to 呼吸. Instead, learn the specific Japanese idioms.
たまには息抜きも必要だ。
Sometimes you need a break too.