godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
breathe heavily; pant; gasp; sigh
Describes audible, labored, or emotional breathing: panting after exertion, gasping in surprise, or sighing with feeling.
階段を駆け上がったあと、しばらく息づいていた。
After running up the stairs, I was panting for a while.
彼は驚いて息づいた。
He gasped in surprise.
godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
live; be alive
Literary or poetic use for being alive, often implying a deep, quiet existence. Not used for everyday 'live'.
この森には古い命が今も息づいている。
Ancient life still breathes in this forest.