Translation guide
A deep sigh in English can express a range of emotions—relief, exhaustion, sadness, frustration, or even romantic longing. Japanese has several words and phrases that capture these nuances, and the best choice depends on the feeling behind the sigh.
Expressing relief after something stressful ends, or releasing built-up tension.
Literally 'to let out a relieved sigh.' This is the most natural way to describe a deep sigh of relief.
試験が終わって、ほっとため息をついた。
After the exam was over, I let out a deep sigh of relief.
A 'sigh of relief.' More formal or literary than ほっとため息.
彼は安堵のため息をもらした。
He let out a sigh of relief.
Expressing tiredness, being worn out, or feeling overwhelmed.
The most direct translation of 'deep sigh.' Often used when physically or mentally exhausted.
彼女は深いため息をついて、ソファに倒れ込んだ。
She let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto the sofa.
A 'big sigh,' similar to a deep sigh. Emphasizes the volume or intensity.
大きなため息が出るほど疲れた。
I was so tired I let out a huge sigh.
Expressing sorrow, regret, or a heavy heart.
A literary word for a sigh of grief or lamentation. Often used in writing.
彼は深い嘆息をついた。
He heaved a deep sigh of sorrow.
A 'sad sigh.' More descriptive and natural in conversation than 嘆息.
彼女は悲しげなため息をついた。
She let out a sad sigh.
Expressing annoyance, irritation, or giving up.
Sighing with a 'good grief' or 'oh well' feeling. Very common in manga and everyday speech.
また遅刻かと、やれやれとため息をついた。
He sighed, 'Oh well, late again.'
A sigh of exasperation or disbelief. 呆れる means to be amazed or appalled.
彼の言い訳に呆れたため息が出た。
I let out a sigh of exasperation at his excuse.
Expressing yearning, love, or wistfulness.
A soft sigh, often associated with romantic or emotional moments. Can also mean simply 'breath.'
彼女は恋しい人を想って吐息をもらした。
She let out a sigh while thinking of her beloved.
A sigh of heartache or poignant longing. 切ない means painful or heartrending.
遠くを見つめて切ないため息をついた。
She gazed into the distance and let out a wistful sigh.
ため息 (tameiki) is the general word for 'sigh' and can be used in most situations. 吐息 (toiki) is softer and often romantic or emotional. 嘆息 (tansoku) is formal/literary and implies grief or lamentation.
While 深いため息 is correct, in many contexts Japanese uses other adjectives or onomatopoeia to convey the feeling. For example, 大きなため息 (big sigh) or ほっとため息 (relieved sigh) are often more natural than always using 深い.