expression, ichidan verb
run out of breath; be short of breath; lose one's breath
Physical shortness of breath, typically from exertion or respiratory difficulty.
階段を駆け上がったら息が切れた。
I ran out of breath after running up the stairs.
expression, ichidan verb
run out of steam; be unable to continue; collapse
Figurative use: losing momentum or stamina, often in a task, project, or effort.
長時間の作業で息が切れてしまった。
I ran out of steam after working for a long time.
expression, ichidan verb
Euphemistic or literary expression for dying, often implying a final loss of breath.
彼は静かに息が切れた。
He quietly passed away.