Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 息をする | iki o suru | |
| 呼吸する | kokyū suru | |
| 吐く | haku | [ha̠kɯ̟] (narrow) [t͡sɨ̥kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 吸い込む | suikomu | [sɨiko̞mɯ̟] (narrow) |
These terms describe the act of drawing air in and out. While 息をする is the standard way to describe the general action of breathing, other terms are used to specify the direction of air or to provide a more technical description of the physiological process of respiration.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase 息をする, the word 息 (iki) literally means 'breath'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on whether you are describing a specific direction of breath or a formal process. 吐く is used specifically to describe the act of breathing out or exhaling, while 吸い込む specifically refers to the act of breathing in or inhaling. 呼吸する is a more technical term for the physiological process of respiration, whereas 息をする is the common way to say 'to breathe'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 息をする, the particle を (o) marks 息 as the object of the verb 'to do'.
How do you pronounce it?
iki o suru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, 'to lose one's breath' from shock or surprise is often expressed as 息を呑む (iki o nomu), which literally means 'to swallow one's breath'.
- The verb 吐く is also used for 'speaking' when someone is confessing a crime or revealing a secret. It treats the words like air being pushed out of the lungs.
- The word 吐く for exhaling also means 'to vomit'. In many contexts, the same verb is used for both actions because they both involve expelling something from the mouth.
Examples in context
- 息をすると痛いです。It hurts when I breathe.This sentence is useful for describing physical discomfort when breathing.Tatoeba #11586416 by small_snow, translation #11586408 by CK
- 息をすると痛みますか？Does it hurt when you breathe?This sentence is useful for asking someone if breathing causes them pain.Tatoeba #8612053 by bunbuku, translation #1810715 by marcelostockle
- 寒い日に息を吐くと、自分の息が見えるんだよ。When you breathe out in cold weather, you can see your breath.This sentence is useful for describing the visual effect of exhaling in cold weather using 吐く.Tatoeba #9092729 by bunbuku, translation #21164 by CK
- 彼女は深く呼吸してからスピーチを始めました。She took a deep breath before starting her speech.
- 正しい方法で鼻から吸気してください。Please inhale through your nose using the correct method.
- 走り終わってから、しっかり息を吸って休憩しましょう。Let's take a deep breath and rest after finishing the run.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are practicing yoga together.
- 健太 Kenta深く息をするのが難しいです。Fukaku iki o suru no ga muzukashii desu.It's difficult to breathe deeply.
- 美咲 Misakiゆっくり息をしてくださいね。Yukkuri iki o shite kudasai ne.Please breathe slowly.
- 健太 Kentaこれでいいですか？Kore de ii desu ka?Is this okay?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、いい感じです。Hai, ii kanji desu.Yes, that feels right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breathe” translations and entries 息をする, 吐く, 吸い込む, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
