1.
a breath
a breath; a rest; a breather
ちょっと一息つこう。
Let's take a quick breather.
仕事の合間に一息入れる。
To take a break between work.
コーヒーを飲んで一息ついた。
I had some coffee and took a breather.
2.
in one breath
in one breath; all at once; without stopping
彼はビールを一息に飲み干した。
He drank the beer in one gulp.
階段を一息に駆け上がった。
I ran up the stairs without stopping.
手紙を一息に書き上げた。
I wrote the letter in one sitting.
一息 literally means "one breath" and has two distinct uses depending on context.
SENSE 1 — TAKING A BREAK:
- 一息つく: to take a breather, to catch one's breath
- 一息入れる: to take a short break
- 一息ついてから: after taking a breather
SENSE 2 — ALL AT ONCE:
- 一息に: in one go, without stopping (adverbial)
- 一息で: in a single breath (same meaning)
- 一息に飲む: to drink in one gulp
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ひと休み: a short rest (slightly longer break implied)
- 息抜き: relaxation, taking a break (more general)
COMPOUND: 一 (one) + 息 (breath)
Related Words
Synonym:
ひと休み (a short rest)