aguanta la respiración
/aɡwanta la ɾespiɾaθjon/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hold your breath" is translated into Spanish as aguanta la respiración.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to stop breathing for a short period of time. You can use the verb aguantar or the more clinical and precise verb contener to express this action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase aguanta la respiración literally translates to "hold the breath" rather than "hold your breath".
Which one should you use?
While aguantar is the most common way to express this, contener la respiración is often used in a more clinical or precise sense. Additionally, Mantén la respiración is frequently used when discussing medical contexts or breathing exercises.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form aguanta la respiración uses the informal singular imperative (tú) form of the verb aguantar. To tell a group of people to hold their breath, use the plural imperative aguanten la respiración.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡwanta la ɾespiɾaθjon/
Did you know?
- The word respiración shares an ancient Proto-Indo-European root with the English word 'spirit', as both trace back to the concept of 'breath' or 'vital force'.
- The verb aguantar in the phrase aguanta la respiración does not just mean 'to hold' or 'to contain', but carries a strong sense of 'to endure' or 'to tolerate' something difficult.
- If you are told to aguantar something in a social context, it might mean you are being asked to wait patiently or be tolerant.
Examples in context
- Por favor, mantén la respiración durante el procedimiento médico. No te muevas.Please hold your breath during the medical procedure. Stay still.
- Aguanta la respiración debajo del agua mientras buceas para explorar la fauna marina.Hold your breath underwater while diving to explore marine life.
- Aguanta la respiración mientras buceamos.Hold your breath while we dive.
Example conversation
A swimming instructor is teaching a student in a pool.
- MateoSofía, aguanta la respiración bajo el agua.Sofía, hold your breath underwater.
- SofíaEstá difícil, Mateo.It is difficult, Mateo.
- MateoIntenta aguantar la respiración un poco más.Try to hold your breath a little longer.
- SofíaVale, lo intentaré de nuevo.Okay, I will try again.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, respiración, CC BY-SA 4.0.
