息継(いきつ)ぎ

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