Translation guide
The English verb 'breathe' refers to the physical act of inhaling and exhaling air. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 息をする (iki o suru), but other verbs like 呼吸する (kokyū suru) and 息を吸う (iki o suu) are used depending on context. This guide covers natural expressions for breathing, including figurative uses and common phrases.
Expressing the basic physiological action of breathing.
The most common and natural way to say 'breathe' in everyday conversation. Literally 'do breath'.
深く息をしてください。
Please breathe deeply.
息をするのも苦しい。
It's even hard to breathe.
A more formal or technical term for 'breathe' or 'respiration'. Used in medical, sports, or instructional contexts.
呼吸するたびに胸が痛む。
My chest hurts every time I breathe.
Specifically means 'to inhale'. Often used in instructions for breathing exercises or when focusing on the inhalation.
鼻から息を吸って、口から吐いてください。
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Using 'breathe' to mean 'to be alive' or 'to exist'.
Literally 'is breathing', used to mean 'is alive'. Often in the progressive form.
彼はまだ息をしている。
He is still breathing (alive).
Directly means 'is alive'. More common than 'breathe' for this meaning, but can be used when English uses 'breathe' figuratively.
彼がまだ生きているのが信じられない。
I can't believe he's still breathing.
Using 'breathe' to mean 'pause and relax'.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to take a breather' or 'to catch one's breath'. Very natural in casual and spoken Japanese.
ちょっと一息つこう。
Let's take a breather.
General verb for 'to take a break'. Less idiomatic than 一息つく but widely understood.
少し休憩しませんか。
Shall we take a short break?
Describing materials or substances that let air in or out.
Technical term for 'to ventilate' or 'to allow air to pass'. Used for fabrics, containers, etc.
この生地は通気性が良い。
This fabric breathes well.
Literally 'let air through'. More descriptive and less technical.
このジャケットは空気を通さない。
This jacket doesn't breathe.
Using 'breathe' to mean 'say something in a breathy voice'.
Standard verb for 'to whisper'. Captures the soft, breathy quality.
彼女は耳元で愛の言葉をささやいた。
She breathed words of love into his ear.
Literally 'say with breath'. More literal translation, less common.
彼は「助けて」と息で言った。
He breathed 'help'.
Figurative use: 'breathe' as in 'breathe life into' or 'breathe confidence'.
Pattern meaning 'to be filled with ~'. Used for abstract qualities.
その絵は生命に満ちている。
The painting breathes life.
Literally 'to blow into', used figuratively for 'breathe (life/soul) into'.
彼はそのプロジェクトに新しい命を吹き込んだ。
He breathed new life into the project.
息をする is the everyday phrase for 'breathe'. 呼吸する is more formal and often used in medical or technical contexts. In casual conversation, 息をする is preferred.
医者：深呼吸してください。
Doctor: Please breathe deeply.
友達：ちょっと息をしよう。
Friend: Let's take a breather.
English uses 'breathe' in many idioms that don't directly translate. For example, 'breathe down someone's neck' is 監視する (kanshi suru, to monitor closely), not a breathing expression.
息ができない。
I can't breathe.
ゆっくり息を吸って吐いて。
Breathe in and out slowly.