气短
qìduǎn
The English phrase 'shortness of breath' is translated into Mandarin as 气短 (qìduǎn).
The term 气短 is used in both medical contexts and in everyday conversation to describe the sensation of being unable to breathe deeply or easily.
Meaning: dyspnea (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 气 (qì), meaning 'air' or 'breath' and 短 (duǎn), meaning 'short'.
Which one should you use?
While 气短 is common, the term 呼吸困难 is also used to mean 'shortness of breath'.
How do you pronounce it?
qìduǎn
Did you know?
- While 气短 means 'shortness of breath' in a medical sense, it is also used as a metaphor for lacking courage or being intimidated by someone.
- The word for breath 气 is the same character used for 'Qi', the vital energy or life force central to traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts.
- In certain contexts, the character 气 is also used to refer to 'anger' or 'temper', so one's 'breath' can sometimes be synonymous with their emotional state.
Examples in context
- 您感觉到呼吸困难吗？ (Nín gǎn jué dào hū xī kùn nán ma?)Do you feel any shortness of breath?
- 是的，我感到呼吸困难。 (Shì de, wǒ gǎn dào hū xī kùn nán.)Yes, I feel shortness of breath.
- 运动完你感觉呼吸不顺畅吗？ (Yùn dòng wán nǐ gǎn jué hū xī bù shùn chàng ma?)Do you feel any breathing difficulty after exercising?
- 我觉得有点气短。Wǒ juéde yǒudiǎn qìduǎn.I feel a bit short of breath.
- 运动后他感到气短。Yùndòng hòu tā gǎndào qìduǎn.He felt shortness of breath after exercising.
- 长期气短需要看医生。Chángqī qìduǎn xūyào kàn yīshēng.Long-term shortness of breath requires seeing a doctor.
Example conversation
At a park after a light jog.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你觉得身体怎么样？Wěi, nǐ juéde shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?Wei, how are you feeling?
- 伟 Wei我刚才有点气短。Wǒ gāngcái yǒudiǎn qìduǎn.I was a bit short of breath just now.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那我们要不要休息一下？Nà wǒmen yào bùyào xiūxi yīxià?Then, should we take a rest?
- 伟 Wei好的，谢谢晓雯。Hǎo de, xièxiè Xiǎowén.Okay, thanks Xiaowen.
