はっと息いきを呑のむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

gasp in surprise; catch one's breath

Describes the involuntary sharp intake of breath when startled, shocked, or suddenly impressed. Often used in narrative to show a character's reaction.

• その美うつくしさにはっと思おもわず息いきを呑のんだ。

  I gasped involuntarily at its beauty.

• 突とつ然ぜんの大おおきな音おとに、彼かの女じょははっと息いきを呑のんだ。

  She caught her breath at the sudden loud noise.