Translation guide
Describes a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, often due to asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the noun 喘鳴 (ぜんめい) or the mimetic word ゼーゼー. The choice depends on formality and context.
To describe the symptom of wheezing in a medical or formal context.
The standard medical term for wheezing. Used by doctors and in health-related discussions.
I can hear wheezing.
If you have wheezing, please see a doctor immediately.
A mimetic phrase describing the sound of wheezing. Commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about children or oneself.
My child is wheezing and I'm worried.
Since I caught a cold, I've started wheezing.
Another mimetic phrase for a whistling sound, sometimes used for wheezing, but less specific than ゼーゼー. Can also describe wind or other high-pitched sounds.
When I breathe out, I make a wheezing sound.
To specifically refer to wheezing caused by asthma.
Literally 'asthma attack', which often includes wheezing as a symptom. This is the most natural way to talk about asthma-related breathing difficulties.
I'm wheezing due to an asthma attack.
When he has an asthma attack, his wheezing gets severe.
A casual way to say 'to wheeze because of asthma'.
Lately, I've been wheezing a lot from asthma.
To describe the audible wheezing sound itself, without necessarily implying a medical condition.
喘鳴 (ぜんめい) is the formal medical term, while ゼーゼー is the everyday onomatopoeia. Use 喘鳴 when speaking with a doctor or writing about health. Use ゼーゼー in casual conversation, especially when describing the sound to friends or family.
I told the doctor, 'I have wheezing.'
I told my friend, 'I'm wheezing and it's hard to breathe.'
Wheezing is specifically a high-pitched whistling sound. Other breathing difficulties like 'shortness of breath' (息切れ) or 'heavy breathing' (荒い呼吸) are different. Make sure to use the correct term based on the sound.
I'm short of breath (not wheezing).