Translation guide
Describes something so beautiful, exciting, or shocking that it takes your breath away. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you mean stunning beauty, thrilling excitement, or overwhelming shock.
The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.
Means 'superb view' or 'magnificent scenery'. Often used as a noun to describe a breathtaking view.
The view from here is truly breathtaking.
An adjective phrase meaning 'breathtaking' or 'awe-inspiring'. Can modify nouns directly.
It was a breathtaking sunset.
To describe an experience that is so exciting or intense it leaves you breathless.
Literally 'gripping with sweaty palms'. Used for thrilling, suspenseful, or breathtakingly exciting moments.
It was a breathtaking match.
Means 'breathless' in the sense of non-stop action or speed. Often used for fast-paced scenes.
It was a breathtaking development (so fast you couldn't catch your breath).
Refers to the highlight or climax of a performance that is overwhelmingly impressive. More literary.
To describe something so shocking or astonishing that it takes your breath away.
Verb phrase meaning 'to gasp' or 'to hold one's breath' from surprise or shock. Can be used as '息をのむような' (breathtaking).
I was breathless at the news.
Literally 'so surprised your breath stops'. Emphasizes the physical reaction to shock.
The English word 'breathtaking' is often used hyperbolically. In Japanese, direct translations like '息を奪う' (to steal breath) are not natural. Use the phrases above depending on context.
彼女の演技は圧巻だった。
Her performance was breathtaking.
I was so shocked I thought I'd stop breathing.