respirar hondo
/respiɾaɾ ondo/from spelling rules
To say "take deep breaths" in Spanish, use respirar hondo.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to inhale a large amount of air deeply into their lungs.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb respirar (to breathe) and the adverb hondo (deeply).
Which one should you use?
While respirar hondo is very common, respirar profundo is a synonymous alternative that is also widely used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Respira hondo is often used to mean "Breathe deeply". In Mexico, one may commonly say Toma unas respiraciones profundas to mean "Take some deep breaths".
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form respira hondo is used when giving a direct command to one person to take a deep breath. To give a command to a group of people, use respiren hondo.
Did you know?
- While respirar hondo is a literal instruction for breathing, it is also used idiomatically to tell someone to calm down or regain their composure during a stressful moment.
- While profundo is a direct borrow from Latin, hondo evolved from an earlier form that likely dropped its initial 'f' over time.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tome respiraciones profundas para relajarse.Please take deep breaths to relax.
- Toma unas respiraciones profundas y te sentirás mejor.Take some deep breaths and you'll feel better.
- Trata de respirar hondo para relajarte.Try to take deep breaths to relax.
- Debes respirar hondo para relajarte.You should take deep breaths to relax.
- Trata de respirar hondo antes de la carrera.Try to take deep breaths before the race.
- El médico me dijo que respirar hondo ayuda.The doctor told me that taking deep breaths helps.
Example conversation
Alejandro is feeling nervous before a big presentation and Elena is helping him calm down.
- AlejandroEstoy muy nervioso por la presentación.I am very nervous about the presentation.
- ElenaTranquilo, Alejandro, intenta respirar hondo.Calm down, Alejandro, try to take deep breaths.
- AlejandroTienes razón, lo intentaré.You're right, I will try it.
- ElenaEso te ayudará a sentirte mejor.That will help you feel better.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hondo, respirar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
