Translation guide
How to express 'take a breath' in Japanese, covering literal breathing, pausing to rest, and figurative calming down.
To physically take a single breath, often in contexts like swimming, medical, or descriptive narration.
The most direct and common way to say 'take a breath' (inhale). Used in everyday and descriptive contexts.
大きく息を吸ってください。
Please take a deep breath.
To stop an activity briefly to rest and breathe, often after exertion.
To take a moment to compose oneself, reduce stress, or think clearly.
Literally 'put one breath', meaning to pause before reacting or to take a moment to think. Very natural for figurative use.
怒る前に一呼吸置こう。
Let's take a breath before getting angry.
English 'take a breath' is often used figuratively to mean 'pause and relax'. In Japanese, 息を吸う is only for physical inhalation. Use 一息つく or 一呼吸置く for taking a break or calming down.
He took a breath and then started speaking.
General 'to breathe', but can be used for 'take a breath' in contexts like 'I can't take a breath' or 'without taking a breath'.
息をするのも苦しい。
It's hard to even take a breath.
Specifically 'to take a breath' while swimming or playing a wind instrument. Not for general breathing.
泳いでいる間、息継ぎをするのが難しい。
It's difficult to take a breath while swimming.
Literally 'take one breath', meaning to take a short rest or breather. Very common and natural.
ちょっと一息つこう。
Let's take a breath for a moment.
走った後、一息ついた。
After running, I took a breath.
To regulate or get one's breathing back to normal. Often used after exercise or when calming down.
少し座って息を整えましょう。
Let's sit for a bit and take a breath.
General 'to take a break'. Not specifically about breathing, but often used when 'take a breath' means a short rest.
ここで少し休憩しよう。
Let's take a breath here.
He took a breath before answering.
To take a deep breath, often as a calming technique. Common in advice.
緊張したら、深呼吸してみて。
If you get nervous, try taking a breath.