Translation guide
Describes the act of breathing in suddenly and sharply, often due to surprise, shock, pain, or difficulty breathing. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the cause and intensity.
A sudden sharp intake of breath when startled or amazed.
Literally 'to swallow one's breath'. The most common way to describe gasping in surprise, shock, or awe. Often used figuratively for breathtaking beauty.
その美しさに息をのんだ。
I gasped at its beauty.
突然の知らせに彼女は息をのんだ。
She gasped at the sudden news.
Describes a sudden, sharp intake of breath, often with a start. 'はっと' is an onomatopoeia for being startled.
彼ははっと息を吸って立ち止まった。
He gasped and stopped in his tracks.
An interjection representing a short gasp of surprise or realization. Often used in manga or casual speech.
あっ！忘れてた！
Ah! (gasp) I forgot!
Breathing with difficulty, often with open mouth, due to exhaustion, illness, or lack of oxygen.
Literally 'breath runs out'. Describes being out of breath, panting, or gasping after exertion.
走った後で息が切れていた。
I was gasping for breath after running.
To be out of breath; to gasp for air. Often used in the progressive form 息を切らしている.
彼は息を切らして階段を上ってきた。
He came up the stairs gasping for breath.
To gasp, pant, or struggle for breath. Can also imply suffering or being in distress.
Onomatopoeic expression for heavy breathing or panting, often used in casual or comedic contexts.
犬が暑さでハアハアしている。
The dog is panting (gasping) from the heat.
A sharp intake of breath due to physical pain or a sudden fright.
To hold one's breath or gasp sharply due to pain or tension. Often used when bracing for impact.
彼は痛みに息を詰めた。
He gasped in pain.
An interjection for a choked gasp, often from pain or being hit. Common in manga.
うっ…！ (腹を殴られて)
Ugh! (gasping after being punched in the stomach)
A sudden intake of breath due to overwhelming positive or negative emotion.
Also used for emotional gasps, not just surprise. Context determines the emotion.
再会の瞬間、彼女は息をのんだ。
She gasped at the moment of their reunion.
Literally 'chest tightens'. Describes being choked up with emotion, often leading to a gasp or sob.
感動で胸が詰まって言葉が出なかった。
I was so moved I gasped and couldn't speak.
English 'gasping' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different verbs and phrases. Do not try to translate 'gasp' as a single word. Use the context-appropriate expression.
✕ 彼はガスピングした。
He gasped. (unnatural)
息をのむ is for a sudden, brief gasp (surprise, beauty). あえぐ is for continuous, labored gasping (suffering, illness, extreme exertion).
彼女は値段を見て息をのんだ。
She gasped when she saw the price.
彼は息を切らして上がってきた。
He came up gasping for air.
He gasped for help.