sigue respirando
/siɡe ɾespiɾando/from spelling rules
To say "keep breathing" in Spanish, use sigue respirando.
This phrase is used to provide an instruction or encouragement to continue the act of inhaling and exhaling air. It can be used literally, such as in a medical or yoga context or figuratively to encourage someone to persevere through a difficult time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb seguir (to follow/continue) in the imperative form and the gerund respirando (breathing).
Which one should you use?
In Mexico, people use the phrase no dejes de respirar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people use both sigue respirando and no dejes de respirar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing. Use siga respirando for a single person in a formal context. To tell a group of people to keep breathing, use the plural form sigan respirando.
How do you pronounce it?
/siɡe ɾespiɾando/
Did you know?
- While respirar means 'to breathe', the Spanish word for 'breath' is aliento, which shares a root with the verb alimentar meaning 'to feed'. This reflects an ancient conceptual link between breathing and nourishment.
- In some poetic contexts, Spanish speakers use dar un respiro to describe giving someone 'breathing room'. This doesn't refer to air, but to a necessary break or a moment of relief from pressure.
- The word respiración is used in Spanish music and dance to describe the 'breathing' of a piece, referring to the natural pauses and rhythmic phrasing between notes or movements.
Examples in context
- Sigue respirando y trata de mantener la calma durante el examen.Keep breathing and try to stay calm during the exam.
- No dejes de respirar mientras te aplico la inyección.Keep breathing while I administer the injection.
- Continúa respirando profundamente para relajar tu mente y tu cuerpo.Keep breathing deeply to relax your mind and body.
- Sigue respirando de forma pausada.Keep breathing in a steady way.
- No te detengas, sigue respirando profundamente.Don't stop, keep breathing deeply.
- Cierra los ojos y sigue respirando.Close your eyes and keep breathing.
Example conversation
Lucía is helping Alejandro through a moment of panic.
- LucíaTranquilo, Alejandro, sigue respirando.Calm down, Alejandro, keep breathing.
- AlejandroEs difícil, me falta el aire.It's hard, I'm short of breath.
- LucíaLo estás haciendo bien, sigue respirando.You are doing well, keep breathing.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía, ya me siento mejor.Thanks, Lucía, I feel better now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
