ほっと
ほっと
adverb
with relief, sigh of relief
1.
with relief
The feeling of relief when tension or worry is released.
試験に受かって、ほっとした。
I felt relieved when I passed the exam.
無事を聞いてほっとした。
I was relieved to hear they were safe.
ほっと一息つく。
To take a breather with relief.
Common expression
子供が無事に帰ってきて、ほっと胸を撫で下ろした。
I breathed a sigh of relief when the child came home safely.
長い会議がやっと終わって、みんなほっとした顔をしていた。
The long meeting finally ended, and everyone had a look of relief on their faces.
An onomatopoeic adverb expressing the feeling of relief, like sighing.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ほっとする (to feel relieved)
- ほっとした (felt relieved)
- ほっと一息 (a moment of relief)
- ほっと胸を撫で下ろす (to breathe a sigh of relief)
NUANCE:
- Mimics the sound/feeling of exhaling in relief
- Often used after tense situations resolve positively
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 安心する (to feel at ease - more formal)
- ほっとする (to feel relieved - onomatopoeic, more emotional)
Related Words
Related:
安心 (peace of mind)