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).
水に潜る前に息を止めた。
I held my breath before diving underwater.
観客は息を止めて結果を見守った。
The audience held their breath as they watched for the result.
レントゲンを撮るとき、技師に「息を止めてください」と言われた。
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:
- 息を止めてください: please hold your breath (medical/photography instructions)
- 息を止めて見守る: to watch with bated breath
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 息を呑む: to gasp, to be breathtaken — describes an involuntary reaction to something stunning or shocking
- 息を殺す: to hold one's breath (to hide) — implies suppressing breathing to avoid being detected
- 息を吸う: to breathe in, to inhale — the simple act of inhalation