息

• Reading: いき
• Romaji: iki
• Kanji breakdown: 息 (soku/iki) — breath, respiration
• Pronunciation: /i.ki/

Meaning

Breath; respiration. The air taken in and expelled from the lungs.

A fundamental noun for breathing and breath. Key expressions include 息をする (to breathe), 息を止める (to hold one's breath), 息が切れる (to be out of breath), and 息を吐く (to exhale). Figuratively used in 息が合う (to be in sync with someone) and 息が長い (to have staying power). Also appears in 息子 (musuko, son).

Examples

1. 走った後で息が切れた。 I was out of breath after running.
2. 深く息を吸ってリラックスしてください。 Take a deep breath and relax.
3. 二人のダンスは息がぴったり合っていた。 The two dancers were perfectly in sync.

Usage Guide

Context: exercise, health, figurative speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 息 combines 自 (self) and 心 (heart), suggesting the breath connected to one's inner self and life force.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal