Understanding 溜息 (ためいき)
The word 溜息 means "a sigh" and is commonly used to express feelings of tiredness, frustration, relief, or resignation. When someone sighs, it often reflects an emotional or physical release.
Usage in Conversation
溜息 is often paired with the verb つく (to let out) as in 溜息をつく, which means "to sigh." This phrase is very common in everyday Japanese and appears frequently in both spoken and written language.
Common Collocations
- 溜息をつく: to sigh, used when expressing relief, frustration, or tiredness.
- 大きな溜息: a big sigh, emphasizing the intensity of the sigh.
- 溜息が出る: a sigh comes out, describing the involuntary action.
Register and Nuance
溜息 is neutral in formality and can be used in casual and formal contexts. It conveys a subtle emotional state without being overly dramatic.
Learner Tip
A common mistake is confusing 溜息 (ためいき) with ため息 (same reading but different kanji sometimes used). Always use 溜息 for the noun "sigh." Also, remember to use the verb つく with 溜息 to describe the action of sighing naturally.