1.
to catch one's breath; to take a breather; to take a rest
To pause and rest briefly, especially after exertion or a period of being busy. Implies a moment of relief or respite.
ほっと息をつく。
To breathe a sigh of relief.
忙しくて息をつく暇もない。
I'm so busy I don't even have time to catch my breath.
仕事が一段落して、やっと息をつくことができた。
The work reached a stopping point, and I was finally able to take a breather.
無事に帰ってきた子どもの顔を見て、母親はほっと息をついた。
Seeing her child come home safely, the mother breathed a sigh of relief.
2.
to sigh; to let out a breath
To exhale audibly, often expressing relief, fatigue, or resignation.
ほっと息をつく。
To breathe a sigh of relief.
彼女は深い息をついた。
She let out a deep sigh.
試験が終わって、大きく息をついた。
When the exam was over, I let out a big sigh.
無事に帰ってきた子どもの顔を見て、母親はほっと息をついた。
Seeing her child come home safely, the mother breathed a sigh of relief.
An idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to exhale.' The two senses overlap significantly — catching one's breath often involves a sigh of relief.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ほっと息をつく: to breathe a sigh of relief
- 深い息をつく: to take a deep breath / let out a deep sigh
- 息をつく暇もない: no time to catch one's breath
- 大きく息をつく: to let out a big sigh
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 息を吸う: to breathe in; to inhale
- 息を吐く: to breathe out; to exhale
- 一息つく: to take a short break (similar meaning)
- ため{息をつく: to sigh (with negative connotation — disappointment, weariness)