inhalar
/inaˈlaɾ/
The English phrase 'breathe in' is translated into Spanish as inhalar.
The verb inhalar means to inhale.
Meaning: to inhale (verb)
Which one should you use?
While inhalar is the direct translation for 'to inhale', it is often used in medical or technical contexts, such as using an inhaler or a doctor's instruction. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use the verb respirar (to breathe) to express the act of taking air into the lungs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, toma aire is used to mean 'take in air'. In some Latin American countries, respira hondo is used to mean 'breathe in deeply'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb inhalar is a regular '-ar' verb, meaning its conjugation follows the standard patterns for verbs ending in -ar.
How do you pronounce it?
/inaˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- In a medical setting, a doctor might use the term espirar for 'to breathe out', which sounds almost identical to the English word 'expire', though it does not mean 'to die' in Spanish.
- The English word 'inspiration' comes from the same Latin root as inhalar, meaning 'to breathe into', which is why it carries the sense of being filled with ideas.
- While inhalar is technical, the phrase tomar aire is often used metaphorically in Spanish to mean 'to take a moment to compose oneself' before a difficult task.
Examples in context
- Por favor, respire profundamentePlease, breathe in deeply
- Es importante inhalar correctamenteIt is important to inhale properly
- Haz una inspiración y relájateTake a breath and relax
- Antes de empezar, toma aireBefore starting, breathe in
- Si sientes ansiedad, respira hondoIf you feel anxious, breathe in deeply
- Toma aire lentamenteTake in air slowly
- Realice una inspiración profunda y relájese antes de la presentaciónTake a deep breath and relax before the presentation
- Inhala profundamente.Breathe in deeply.
- Tienes que inhalar profundamente.You have to inhale deeply.
Example conversation
A yoga instructor is guiding her student through a breathing exercise.
- AlejandroSofía, intenta inhalar por la nariz.Sofía, try to inhale through your nose.
- SofíaEstá bien, lo estoy haciendo.Okay, I am doing it.
- AlejandroMuy bien, ahora exhala lentamente.Very good, now exhale slowly.
- SofíaMe siento mucho más relajada.I feel much more relaxed.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry inhalar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
