Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

How to say 'Breath' in Japanese | 息

Wondering how to say 'Breath' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Breath is 'Iki', written as 息 in Japanese.'Breath' in hiragana is いき.

    word

    Meaning

    Breath

    Reading

    いき

    iki

    Kanji

    Breath

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '息 (いき)' means 'breath'. It refers to the air taken into or expelled from the lungs, and is commonly used in contexts related to breathing, such as holding one's breath or being out of breath. For example: I took a deep breath「私は深く息をした」(わたしはふかくいきをした). He was out of breath after running「彼は走った後で息が切れていた」(かれははしったあとでいきがきれていた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a pause or moment of rest, as in 'a breath of fresh air'.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N3

    Kanji Grade

    3

    Frequency

    1348

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Breath

Words Related to Through the Kanji

These 3 Words contain the Kanji 息 as well.

  • word

    息子

    Meaning

    Son

  • word

    ため息

    Meaning

    Sigh

  • word

    利息

    Meaning

    Interest

Learn the Word

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Iki' (息) mean?

'Iki' means 'Breath' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.