Translation guide
The English word 'puffing' can describe breathing heavily after exertion, emitting short bursts of smoke or steam, or swelling up. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To breathe in short, quick breaths, especially after physical effort.
Literally 'to run out of breath', this is the most common way to say someone is puffing or panting after exercise.
To blow out smoke, steam, or air in small, quick puffs.
General phrase for 'to puff smoke'. Can be used for cigarettes, chimneys, etc.
To swell or become larger, often used for body parts or objects.
Used for body parts swelling due to injury or illness.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'puffing'. Always choose the expression based on the specific action (breathing, smoking, swelling). Using a direct translation like パッフィング will not be understood.
He was puffing after running.
Means 'to be out of breath'. Often used when someone can't continue due to breathlessness.
I was puffing after climbing the stairs.
To pant or gasp for breath, often with a sense of struggling. More dramatic than 息を切らす.
The dog was puffing in the heat.
He was puffing on his cigarette slowly.
Onomatopoeic adverb describing light, floating puffs of smoke or steam. Often used with と.
Smoke was puffing up.
Specifically for puffing out steam, like a train or kettle.
The locomotive was puffing steam.
My eye is puffing up.