息 継(いきつ)ぎ

いきつぎ

noun

taking a breath; breathing pause

1. taking a breath; breathing pause; catching one's breath

A pause to breathe, especially during continuous physical activity such as swimming, singing, or playing a wind instrument. Also used figuratively for any brief pause or respite.

息継(いきつ)ぎをする。

To take a breath.

水泳(すいえい)で息継(いきつ)ぎが上手(じょうず)にできない。

I can't do the breathing technique well in swimming.

彼女(かのじょ)は息継(いきつ)ぎもせずに一気(いっき)にしゃべり続(つづ)けた。

She kept talking nonstop without even pausing to breathe.

A pause to breathe during continuous activity. Most commonly associated with swimming, singing, and wind instruments.

Forms

息(いき) (breath) + 継(つ)ぎ (continuing/connecting)

Common patterns

息継(いきつ)ぎをする: to take a breath
息継(いきつ)ぎなしで: without pausing for breath
息継(いきつ)ぎが上手(じょうず): good at breathing technique
息継(いきつ)ぎもせずに: without even pausing for breath

Usage

水泳(すいえい): swimming (proper 息継(いきつ)ぎ is a key beginner skill)
歌(うた): singing (breath control between phrases)
管楽器(かんがっき): wind instruments
Figuratively: any brief pause or respite in continuous activity, such as talking nonstop

general

Added 2026.3.25 10:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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