Translation guide
The English word "gasp" describes a sudden, sharp intake of breath, usually from shock, surprise, pain, or strong emotion. It can also refer to breathing with difficulty, as when exhausted. Japanese expresses these ideas with different words and onomatopoeia depending on the cause and context.
To express a sharp, involuntary inhalation in reaction to something startling, frightening, or astonishing.
Literally 'to swallow one's breath'. This is the most common and natural way to describe a gasp of shock or surprise. It emphasizes the sudden stop of breath.
I involuntarily gasped at the sight.
An onomatopoeic word representing a sudden gasp or realization. Often used in manga, anime, and casual speech. Can be used alone or as part of a phrase.
I gasped and turned around.
Literally 'breath stops'. Used to describe a moment of shock or fear so intense that one's breath seems to stop. More dramatic than 息を呑む.
I almost gasped with fear.
Onomatopoeia for being startled or taken aback, often with a sharp intake of breath. Similar to はっ but with a stronger sense of shock or fright.
I gasped at the sudden loud noise.
To describe labored, heavy breathing after exercise, or when struggling to breathe.
Literally 'to run out of breath'. Describes being out of breath and breathing heavily, often after running or strenuous activity.
He ran up the stairs, gasping for breath.
Verb meaning to pant, gasp, or struggle for breath. Can be used for physical exhaustion, but also for emotional distress or pain.
Onomatopoeia for panting or heavy breathing. Very common in casual speech and writing to mimic the sound of gasping for air.
Literally 'breath rises'. Means to become short of breath, often used in sports contexts.
I'm out of shape and start gasping right away.
To express a sharp intake of breath caused by physical pain.
Onomatopoeia for a sudden grunt or gasp when hit, stabbed, or experiencing a sharp pain. Often used in manga and dramatic contexts.
A pain shot through my side and I gasped.
Literally 'to hold one's breath'. Describes the moment of tensing up and stopping breath due to pain or anticipation of pain.
To express a breathy exclamation of wonder, beauty, or amazement.
Same as the shock meaning, but here it conveys being overwhelmed by beauty or grandeur. Context makes the nuance clear.
It was a breathtakingly beautiful view.
An exhalation of admiration or wonder. Often used when seeing something impressive. Can be written as ほー or ほお.
はっ is a general gasp of surprise or realization. ぎょっ implies a stronger startle, often with fear or shock. うっ is specifically for pain or a sudden physical impact. Choose based on the emotion or sensation.
Avoid directly translating 'gasp' as a single Japanese word. English 'gasp' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different expressions depending on the cause. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
The dog is gasping in the heat.
はあはあ言いながらゴールにたどり着いた。
I reached the finish line, gasping for breath.
I gasped at the moment of the injection.
Wow, that's amazing. (with a gasp of admiration)