inhalar
/inaˈlaɾ/
To inhale in Spanish is to say inhalar. If unsure, use inhalar. Wiktionary also lists alentar.
Meaning: to draw air into the lungs (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| inhalar | /inaˈlaɾ/ |
| alentar | /alenˈtaɾ/ |
The verb refers to the act of drawing air or a substance into the lungs.
Which one should you use?
inhalar is the standard term used in medical or technical contexts, or when specifically referring to the physical act of breathing in air or a substance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite (past tense) form of inhalar is inhaló, which translates to 'he/she inhaled'. The direct antonym of inhalar is exhalar, meaning 'to exhale'.
How do you pronounce it?
/inaˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- While inhalar is technical, alentar can mean 'to encourage'. This use comes from the idea of giving breath or life to someone to motivate them.
- A deep inhale is often linked to the suspiro, a romanticized sigh that holds a special place in Spanish music and poetry.
- In Spanish, the word aliento describes both the physical 'breath' and a person's internal 'spirit' or 'stamina'.
Examples in context
- Inhalar.Inhale.This is useful for practicing the imperative command inhalar.Tatoeba #8252672 by MilkFrosties, translation #6092716 by mailohilohi
- El doctor me dijo que inhalara y exhalara lenta y profundamente.The doctor told me to inhale and exhale slowly and deeply.This sentence shows the use of inhalar in a medical instruction.Tatoeba #678281 by darinmex, translation #678279 by darinmex
- Tomar una inspiración profundaInhale deeply
- Tomar un respiro profundoBreathe in deeply
- Yo inspiroI inhale
- Tomar una inspiración profunda antes de soplarTake a deep breath before blowing
- Es importante inhalar profundamente durante el ejercicio.It is important to inhale deeply during exercise.
Example conversation
María is teaching Daniel a breathing exercise.
- MaríaPrimero, tienes que inhalar profundamente.First, you have to inhale deeply.
- DanielEstá bien, ya lo estoy haciendo.Okay, I am doing it now.
- MaríaAhora, suelta el aire lentamente.Now, let the air out slowly.
- DanielMe siento mucho más relajado, María.I feel much more relaxed, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inhale” translations and entries inhalar, alentar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
