Translation guide
The English phrase "catch one's breath" has two main meanings: to pause and rest after physical exertion, and to regain control of one's breathing after being startled or emotional. Japanese expresses these ideas with different verbs and phrases depending on the nuance.
To stop and rest in order to recover normal breathing after physical activity.
Literally 'to arrange one's breath'. This is the most direct and natural way to say 'catch one's breath' after exercise or exertion.
ちょっと息を整えよう。
Let's catch our breath for a moment.
走った後、息を整えるのに時間がかかった。
After running, it took time to catch my breath.
To recover normal breathing after being startled, frightened, or emotionally overwhelmed.
The English idiom 'catch one's breath' does not translate literally into Japanese. Phrases like 息を捕まえる (いきをつかまえる) are not used and sound unnatural.
息を整える focuses on the physical act of regulating breathing after exertion. 一息つく implies taking a short rest break, which may include catching your breath but also relaxing mentally. Use 息を整える when the emphasis is on breathing recovery.
Literally 'take a breath'. Implies taking a short break to rest, not just breathing recovery. Often used when pausing during work or activity.
ここで一息つきましょう。
Let's catch our breath here.
Literally 'to run out of breath'. This describes the state of being out of breath, often used in negative form to mean 'without catching one's breath'.
彼は息を切らしながら話した。
He spoke while trying to catch his breath.
Literally 'to swallow one's breath'. Describes the moment of gasping or holding breath due to surprise or shock. Often used in past tense to describe the initial reaction, and then followed by recovery.
その美しさに息をのんだ。
I caught my breath at the beauty.
Literally 'to breathe back'. Means to recover one's breath or revive, often after a shock or fainting. Can be used figuratively.
彼女はやっと息を吹き返した。
She finally caught her breath.
Means 'to calm down'. While not specifically about breathing, it is often used when someone needs to catch their breath emotionally.
驚いたけど、すぐに落ち着いた。
I was surprised, but I quickly caught my breath.