expression, godan verb (-gu)
take a breath; catch one's breath
Pausing to breathe, often after exertion or when needing to steady oneself.
走った後、しばらく息を継ぐことができなかった。
After running, I couldn't catch my breath for a while.
彼は話の途
He took a breath in the middle of his speech.
expression, godan verb (-gu)
Figurative extension: pausing from an activity to rest briefly.
仕事の合間に少し息を継ぎましょう。
Let's take a short break between tasks.