inspirer
/ɛ̃s.pi.ʁe/
The English phrase 'breathe in' is translated into French as inspirer. Wiktionary also lists inhaler.
Meaning: to inhale (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| inspirer | /ɛ̃s.pi.ʁe/ |
| inhaler | /i.na.le/ |
In a medical or yoga context, inspirer is the standard verb used for the act of inhaling.
Which one should you use?
The verb inspirer is the opposite of expirer, which means to breathe out or exhale.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɛ̃s.pi.ʁe/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- If someone is 'breathtaking' in English, a French speaker would not use inspirer but instead say the person coupe le souffle, meaning they 'cut the breath'.
- While inspirer means 'to breathe in' in a physical sense, it is also the primary word for 'to inspire' someone creatively or emotionally.
- In French, a 'deep breath' used to calm down is often described as prendre une grande inspiration, using the noun form of inspirer.
Examples in context
- Pendant la séance de méditation, le professeur a dit aux participants d'inspirer profondément.During the meditation session, the teacher told the participants to breathe in deeply.
- Avant de commencer votre discours, prenez une grande inspiration pour vous détendre.Before starting your speech, take a deep breath to relax.
- Inspire un grand coup avant de sauter dans l'eau !Take a deep breath before jumping into the water!
- Il faut inspirer profondément.You must breathe in deeply.
- Inspirer par le nez est plus efficace.Breathing in through the nose is more effective.
- Le médecin m'a dit d'inspirer lentement.The doctor told me to breathe in slowly.
Example conversation
Emma is teaching Hugo some yoga breathing exercises.
- EmmaMaintenant, Hugo, inspire doucement.Now, Hugo, breathe in gently.
- HugoC'est difficile de bien inspirer.It is hard to breathe in well.
- EmmaEssaie d'inspirer par la bouche.Try to breathe in through your mouth.
- HugoAh, je sens la différence.Ah, I feel the difference.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breathe in” translations and entries inspirer, inhaler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
