Translation guide
The English word 'pant' can refer to the act of breathing heavily, or to the sound or action of a machine or engine. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To describe someone or an animal breathing quickly and audibly, often with the mouth open, due to physical effort, heat, or strong emotion.
The most direct equivalent for 'pant' when referring to labored breathing, often from exhaustion, pain, or distress. Can also imply gasping for air.
He was panting heavily after running.
The dog is panting from the heat.
Literally 'to run out of breath'. Used when someone is out of breath and breathing hard, often after exercise. More common in spoken Japanese than 喘ぐ for everyday situations.
I ran up the stairs and was panting.
Onomatopoeic expression mimicking the sound of panting. Very colloquial and vivid. Often used for dogs or in casual speech.
The dog came running, panting.
Describes rough or heavy breathing, not necessarily from exertion. Can imply agitation or arousal. More descriptive than a direct translation of 'pant'.
His breathing became ragged (he started panting).
To speak in a breathless, hurried way, often because of physical exertion or excitement.
To express a strong desire or craving, often used in the phrase 'pant for' or 'pant after'.
Means 'to long for' or 'yearn for' in a formal or intense way. Not a direct translation of 'pant', but captures the emotional intensity.
He was panting for freedom.
Literally 'thirst and desire', implying a desperate craving. Stronger than 切望する. Suitable for literary contexts.
To describe the sound of a steam engine, pump, or similar device operating with a repetitive puffing noise.
Onomatopoeic phrase mimicking the sound of a steam engine or pump. シュッシュッ represents the puffing sound.
The old locomotive was panting along.
Literally 'to emit steam'. Describes the action of a steam engine puffing steam. More descriptive than onomatopoeic.
The English word 'pant' can also mean 'trousers' (usually plural 'pants'). In Japanese, 'pants' is ズボン (zubon) or パンツ (pantsu). Do not use 喘ぐ or other breathing-related words for clothing.
喘ぐ (あえぐ) often implies distress, pain, or severe exhaustion, and can sound dramatic. 息を切らす (いきをきらす) is more neutral and commonly used for being out of breath after exercise. For everyday situations like running to catch a bus, 息を切らす is more natural.
He panted, 'Give me water.'
She was panting for fame.
The train panted out of the station.