呼吸

こきゅう

breath, respiration

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding 呼吸

The word 呼吸 (hūxī) literally means "to breathe," combining (to exhale or sigh) and (to inhale or suck in). It is used primarily to describe the physical act of breathing, but also appears in contexts related to controlling or noticing one's breath, such as during exercise or moments of stress.

Common Usage

呼吸 is often used in health and fitness contexts, for example, reminding someone to maintain steady breathing during physical activity. It can also describe changes in breathing patterns caused by emotions or health conditions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 呼吸 (shēn hūxī): deep breathing, used to calm down or relax.
  • 呼吸 (hūxī jícù): rapid breathing, often indicating nervousness or illness.
  • 注意呼吸 (zhùyì hūxī): pay attention to breathing, common advice in sports or meditation.

Nuances

When using 呼吸, speakers often imply awareness or control of breathing, not just the automatic process. For example, telling someone to "注意呼吸" suggests mindful breathing rather than unconscious respiration.

Common Confusion

呼吸 should not be confused with 喘气 (chuǎnqì), which means to gasp or pant, often indicating difficulty breathing. 呼吸 is neutral and general, while 喘气 carries a sense of distress or exertion.

Example Sentences

During exercise, pay attention to your breathing and keep a rhythm.

He became very short of breath because of nervousness.

Deep breathing can help relax your mood.