1.
wheezing; panting; gasping for breath
A mimetic word representing the harsh, rasping sound of labored breathing, whether from physical exertion or a respiratory condition like asthma.
An onomatopoeic word (giongo) that mimics the sound of labored, wheezy breathing. It represents a harsh, rasping sound in the throat or chest.
Usage
- ぜいぜい(と)息をする: to breathe wheezily
- ぜいぜい言う: to wheeze (literally "to say zeizei")
- 胸がぜいぜいする: one's chest wheezes
- Can describe both temporary breathlessness (from exercise) and chronic conditions (asthma)
Common collocations
- ぜいぜいと息をする: to breathe with wheezing
- ぜいぜい言う: to wheeze
- 喘息でぜいぜいする: to wheeze from asthma
- ぜいぜいしながら走る: to run while wheezing
Similar words
- はあはあ: panting, heavy breathing — from exertion, not necessarily wheezy
- ぜえぜえ: variant of ぜいぜい; essentially the same meaning
- ひゅうひゅう: whistling sound of wind or breathing through a narrow passage