Translation guide
The English word 'sigh' can be a noun or a verb, expressing a deep breath that conveys emotion such as relief, sadness, frustration, or longing. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ため息 (tameiki) as a noun and ため息をつく (tameiki o tsuku) as a verb phrase. There are also onomatopoeic and mimetic words that capture the sound or feeling of sighing.
The learner wants to refer to the act of sighing as a thing, e.g., 'a sigh of relief', 'a deep sigh'.
The standard noun for 'sigh'. Used in most contexts to describe a sigh expressing various emotions.
He let out a deep sigh.
A sigh of relief escaped me.
A more formal or literary noun for 'sigh', often implying lament or grief. Used in writing or formal speech.
At his words, an involuntary sigh escaped me.
The learner wants to express the action of sighing, e.g., 'She sighed with relief', 'He sighed deeply'.
The most common verb phrase meaning 'to sigh'. Literally 'to let out a sigh'. Used for any kind of sigh.
She sighed wearily.
I sighed with relief.
A formal/literary verb meaning 'to sigh' with a nuance of lamentation or grief. Not used in casual conversation.
He sighed deeply (with sorrow).
A less common verb meaning 'to sigh' or 'to breathe out'. Can be used for a gentle or emotional sigh, but ため息をつく is more standard.
She sighed softly.
The learner wants to mimic the sound of sighing in Japanese, often used in casual speech or writing.
The most common onomatopoeia for a sigh. Can express tiredness, relief, or disappointment depending on context and intonation.
"Sigh, I'm tired," he said.
Another common sigh sound, often used when relieved or after finishing something. Slightly lighter than はあ.
An interjection expressing a sigh of relief or mild exasperation, like 'oh well' or 'good grief'. Often used when a problem is resolved or when giving up.
The learner wants to describe how someone sighs, using an adverb that captures the emotional quality.
An adverb meaning 'with relief'. Often used with ため息をつく to mean 'sigh with relief'.
I sighed with relief.
An adverb describing a sigh of exhaustion or deflation, often implying a loss of energy or weight.
An adverb describing a dejected or disappointed sigh, often with a drooping posture.
ため息 is the everyday word for 'sigh' and can be used in any register. 嘆息 is formal and literary, often carrying a heavier emotional weight of grief or lament. In casual conversation, stick to ため息.
In everyday conversation, use 'tameiki'.
English 'sigh' as a verb cannot be directly translated as a single Japanese verb. The natural expression is ため息をつく (to let out a sigh). Using a made-up verb like ため息する is incorrect.
Incorrect: He sighed.
Phew, it's finally over.
やれやれ、やっと着いた。
Whew, we finally arrived.
彼はげっそりとため息をついた。
He sighed in exhaustion.
彼女はしょんぼりとため息をついた。
She sighed dejectedly.
Correct: He sighed.