息(いき)を止(と)める

いきをとめる
expression
to hold one's breath
body-part
1. to hold one's breath; to stop breathing
To intentionally stop breathing for a period of time. Used both literally (swimming, medical procedures) and figuratively (in tense or exciting moments).
水(みず)に潜(もぐ)る前(まえ)に息(いき)を止(と)めた。
I held my breath before diving underwater.
観客(かんきゃく)は息(いき)を止(と)めて結果(けっか)を見守(みまも)った。
The audience held their breath as they watched for the result.
レントゲンを撮(と)るとき、技師(ぎし)に「息(いき)を止(と)めてください」と言(い)われた。
When getting the X-ray, the technician told me, 'Please hold your breath.'

Used both for the literal physical action of holding one's breath and figuratively for moments of intense suspense or concentration. The figurative use often describes an audience or observer watching something tense unfold.

Common patterns

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 息(いき)を呑(の)む (to gasp, to be breathtaken)
general
Added 2026.4.2 11:54 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
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