息を呑む

• Reading: いきをのむ
• Romaji: iki wo nomu
• Kanji breakdown: 息 (soku/iki) — breath; 呑 (don/no) — swallow, gulp
• Pronunciation: /i.ki.o.no.mɯ/

Meaning

To gasp; to have one's breath taken away. The involuntary catching of breath from surprise, shock, or awe.

An expression using Group 1 (godan) verb 呑む (to swallow). Describes the moment when something so surprising, beautiful, or shocking occurs that one involuntarily holds their breath. The kanji 呑む is preferred over 飲む here as it carries a more dramatic, literary tone.

Examples

1. 観客は美しい演技に息を呑んだ。 The audience gasped at the breathtaking performance.
2. 息を呑むような絶景が広がっていた。 A breathtaking panoramic view stretched out before us.
3. その知らせを聞いて、みんな息を呑んでいた。 Everyone held their breath when they heard the news.

Usage Guide

Context: scenery, performances, shocking events

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

Literally means to swallow one's breath. The image of breath being swallowed back captures the involuntary gasp response. The kanji 呑 originally depicted a person swallowing, distinct from 飲 which focused on drinking liquids.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal