respirar
/ʁes.piˈɾa(ʁ)/
The English phrase 'breathe' is translated into Portuguese as respirar.
The verb respirar means to draw air in and out. You can also use the expression respirar fundo to mean 'to breathe deeply', which is often used when someone is trying to calm down or prepare for something. If you want to use a noun to refer to the act of breathing or a breath, use respiração.
Meaning: to draw air in and out (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of breathing, use the present participle respirando.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʁes.piˈɾa(ʁ)/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd of 3.
Did you know?
- The root of respirar connects to the English word 'spirit', as both come from the same ancient concept of 'breath' or 'life force'.
- While respirar is the standard term, Portuguese has a specific noun fôlego to describe the 'breath' or 'stamina' one has while running or speaking.
- While 'breathe' is a single word in English, Portuguese often uses the verb respirar to describe how an atmosphere or a place 'feels', such as a place that 'breathes' art.
Examples in context
- Eu não consigo respirar.I can't breathe.This sentence is useful for expressing the inability to breathe using respirar.Tatoeba #9949869 by Ricardo14, translation #1650172 by Spamster
- Tom lutava para respirar.Tom struggled to breathe.This sentence is useful for describing a struggle to breathe using respirar.Tatoeba #7657841 by Ricardo14, translation #5746616 by CM
- Não dá para respirar aqui.You can't breathe here.This sentence is useful for stating that breathing is difficult in a specific location using respirar.Tatoeba #699096 by brauliobezerra, translation #698945 by Zifre
- É necessário respirar profundamente para relaxar.It is necessary to breathe deeply to relax.
- Inspire profundamente antes de começar a falar.Take a deep breath before you start speaking.
- Puxe o ar antes de fazer o mergulho!Take a breath before diving!
- Respira fundo e tenta se acalmar antes de falar com ele.Take a deep breath and try to calm down before talking to him.
- Não podia respirar de tanto rir!I couldn't breathe from laughing so much!
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are hiking up a steep hill.
- JulianaRodrigo, você consegue respirar bem?Rodrigo, can you breathe well?
- RodrigoSim, mas a subida é muito cansativa.Yes, but the climb is very tiring.
- JulianaVamos parar um pouco para respirar.Let's stop a bit to breathe.
- RodrigoBoa ideia, estou com muita sede.Good idea, I am very thirsty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breathe” translations and entries respirar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
