喘息

• Pinyin: chuǎn xī
• Hanzi breakdown: 喘 = 口 (mouth) + 耑 (phonetic) = to pant; 息 = 自 (nose) + 心 (heart) = breath

Meaning

To gasp; to catch one's breath; breathing space. Both literal panting and figurative relief or respite.

Beyond physical breathing, commonly used metaphorically for getting a break or respite from pressure. 喘息的机会 (chance to catch one's breath), 没有喘息的余地 (no room to breathe) are common expressions.

Examples

1. 他刚完成一个项目，还没喘息又接到了新任务。 He had just finished one project and before he could catch his breath, he received a new assignment.
2. 敌人的进攻如此猛烈，让我军没有喘息的机会。 The enemy's attack was so fierce that our troops had no chance to catch their breath.
3. 病人的喘息声越来越重，医生非常担心。 The patient's breathing became increasingly labored, and the doctor was very worried.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, figurative, medical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 让我喘息一下再继续工作。(Let me catch my breath before continuing work.)
• 经济危机让很多企业没有喘息的余地。(The economic crisis left many businesses no breathing room.)

Don't Say

• 我喘息着空气 (喘息 already implies breathing — you don't need to add 'air'; just 我喘息着 or use 呼吸 for normal breathing)

Origin & History

Compound of 喘 (to pant) and 息 (breath, to rest). Together they describe the act of catching one's breath.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal