noun
one breath; a single breath
Refers to a single act of breathing, or the very short time it takes. Often used in set phrases like 一息入れる (take a breather) or 一息に (in one breath).
一息吸ってから話し始めた。
He took a breath and then began to speak.
一息入れてから続けましょう。
Let's take a breather and then continue.
noun
A short rest or break from activity. Commonly used in the phrase 一息入れる.
仕事の合間に一息入れた。
I took a short break during work.
noun
in one go; without stopping
Used adverbially as 一息に to mean doing something all at once, without pausing. Often with verbs like 読む, 飲む, 言う.
彼は一息にビールを飲み干した。
He downed the beer in one go.
その小説を一息に読んだ。
I read the novel in one sitting.
noun
a little more effort; a bit more push
Used in expressions like もう一息だ to mean 'just a little more effort needed' or 'almost there'. Implies being close to completion.
もう一息でゴールだ。
Just a little more and we're at the goal.
合格まであと一息だった。
I was just a hair's breadth away from passing.