i-adjective
choking; suffocating; stifling
Describes physical difficulty breathing, often due to stuffy air, tight clothing, or a medical condition.
この部屋は空気がこもっていて息苦しい。
This room is stuffy and hard to breathe in.
マスクを
Wearing a mask can sometimes feel suffocating.
i-adjective
Used figuratively for an atmosphere, relationship, or situation that feels emotionally stifling or tense.
会議の雰囲気が息苦しくて、早く終わってほしかった。
The atmosphere in the meeting was so oppressive that I wanted it to end quickly.