透气

• Pinyin: tòu qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 透 = 辶 + 秀 — to penetrate; 气 = air, breath

Meaning

To ventilate; to breathe; breathable; to get fresh air.

Describes allowing air to pass through (fabrics, rooms) or taking a break to get fresh air. Can be literal (opening windows) or figurative (taking a breather from pressure).

Examples

1. 这种面料透气性很好，夏天穿特别舒服。 This fabric has excellent breathability — it's especially comfortable to wear in summer.
2. 屋里太闷了，开窗透透气吧。 It's too stuffy inside — let's open the window and get some air.
3. 工作压力太大，周末出去透透气放松一下。 Work pressure is too much — go out on weekends to get some fresh air and relax.

Usage Guide

Context: materials, ventilation, relaxation

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 透气性好。(Good breathability.)
• 出去透透气。(Go out to get some fresh air.)

Don't Say

• 把剧烈运动叫'透气' (透气 means gentle breathing/relaxation — strenuous exercise is 运动 or 锻炼)

Origin & History

透 means to penetrate, 气 means air — to let air penetrate.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal