息
iki
The Japanese word for breath is 息 (iki).
息 refers to the air expelled from the lungs.
Meaning: air expelled from the lungs (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
iki
Did you know?
- The word 息 (iki) is a homonym for 'son' in Japanese, though they are written with different characters. A listener knows which one you mean based on the context of the conversation.
- The term 息抜き (ikinuki), which literally means 'to let one's breath out', is the common way to describe taking a break or relaxing.
- Japanese has a specific term ため息 (tameiki) for a sigh. The word ため implies 'accumulation' or 'saving up', suggesting a sigh is breath that has been held and then released.
Examples in context
- 彼は息を止めた。He held his breath.This sentence is useful for showing how to express holding one's breath using 息.Tatoeba #102762 by bunbuku, translation #300927 by CK
- 息切れがします。I get out of breath.This sentence is useful for describing the state of being out of breath using 息.Tatoeba #139895 by small_snow, translation #274454 by CM
- 彼女は息を殺した。She held her breath.This sentence is useful for showing a different way to express holding one's breath using 息.Tatoeba #88150 by bunbuku, translation #315557 by CK
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are practicing deep breathing for meditation.
- 美咲 Misakiゆっくり息を吸ってください。Yukkuri iki o sutte kudasai.Please breathe in slowly.
- 蓮 Renこれでいいのかな？Kore de ii no kana?I wonder if this is right?
- 美咲 Misaki次は、ゆっくり息を出して。Tsugi wa, yukkuri iki o dashite.Next, let your breath out slowly.
- 蓮 Ren分かった、やってみるよ。Wakatta, yatte miru yo.I got it, I'll try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breath” translations and entries 息, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
