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.
To describe a view, artwork, or natural scene that is so beautiful it leaves you speechless.
Literally 'so beautiful it makes you hold your breath'. A natural, common way to express breathtaking beauty.
その景色は息をのむほど美しかった。
The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.
Means 'superb view' or 'magnificent scenery'. Often used as a noun to describe a breathtaking view.
ここからの眺めはまさに絶景だ。
The view from here is truly breathtaking.
An adjective phrase meaning 'breathtaking' or 'awe-inspiring'. Can modify nouns directly.
息をのむような夕日だった。
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.
手に汗握る試合だった。
It was a breathtaking match.
Means 'breathless' in the sense of non-stop action or speed. Often used for fast-paced scenes.
息もつかせぬ展開だった。
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).
その知らせに息をのんだ。
I was breathless at the news.
Literally 'so surprised your breath stops'. Emphasizes the physical reaction to shock.
驚きのあまり息が止まるかと思った。
I was so shocked I thought I'd stop breathing.
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.