respirare
/res.piˈra.re/
The English verb breathe is translated into Italian as respirare.
The verb respirare is used to describe the act of drawing air in and out.
Meaning: to draw air in and out (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form is respirare. When using the present indicative, respiro means I breathe and respiriamo means we breathe. The past participle is respirato, which translates to breathed.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. It is pronounced /res.piˈra.re/.
Did you know?
- While respirare is the standard term, in poetic or archaic Italian literature, you might encounter spirare, which specifically refers to the act of breathing out or even passing away.
- The phrase respirare a pieni polmoni literally means 'to breathe with full lungs' and is used to describe the feeling of freedom or relief after a long period of stress.
- The expression non farmi respirare can be used figuratively to describe someone who is being overly clingy or controlling in a relationship.
Examples in context
- Tom non poteva respirare.Tom couldn't breathe.This sentence shows how to use respirare to say someone couldn't breathe.Tatoeba #5605174 by Guybrush88, translation #3422008 by CK
- Disse di non poter respirare.She said she couldn't breathe.Tatoeba #10613799 by Bethanielle, translation #7402216 by CH
- Riesco a malapena a respirare.I can hardly breathe.This sentence shows how to use respirare to say you can hardly breathe.Tatoeba #2031872 by Guybrush88, translation #1887105 by CK
- Dovresti respirare profondamente prima di rispondere.You should breathe deeply before responding.
- È importante respirare correttamente durante l'esercizio fisico.It's important to breathe properly during exercise.
- Mi sento soffocare. Non riesco a respirare.I feel like I'm suffocating. I can't breathe.
- Respira piano e rilassati.Breathe slowly and relax.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are finishing a jog in the park.
- SofiaSperiamo di poter respirare meglio tra poco.I hope we can breathe better in a little while.
- FrancescoSì, sono davvero stanco, Sofia.Yes, I am really tired, Sofia.
- SofiaProva a respirare profondamente con me.Try to breathe deeply with me.
- FrancescoHai ragione, mi sento già meglio.You're right, I already feel better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breathe” translations and entries respirare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
