息いきも絶たえ絶だえ

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', adverb

gasping; out of breath; panting

Describes a state of being so breathless that one can barely speak or continue. Often used with verbs like 言う, 話す, 走る, or 逃げる.

• 彼かれは息いきも絶たえ絶だえに助たすけを求もとめた。

  He gasped for help, barely able to breathe.

• 息いきも絶たえ絶だえで階かい段だんを駆かけ上あがった。

  I ran up the stairs, completely out of breath.