(いきづか)

いきづかい
noun
breathing; way of breathing
1. breathing; manner of breathing; breath sounds
The way someone breathes, especially when it is audible or noticeable. Often used to describe the sound or rhythm of breathing that reveals emotion or physical state.
(あら)息遣(いきづか)いが()こえた。
I could hear rough breathing.
電話(でんわ)()こうで(かれ)息遣(いきづか)いだけが()こえる。
I can only hear his breathing on the other end of the phone.
()ている(あか)ちゃんの(おだ)やかな息遣(いきづか)いに安心(あんしん)した。
I felt relieved hearing the sleeping baby's calm breathing.

Refers not just to the biological act of breathing but to the audible or perceptible quality of someone's breath. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts to convey emotion, tension, or intimacy.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (あら)息遣(いきづか)い: rough/heavy breathing
  • (おだ)やかな息遣(いきづか)い: calm breathing
  • 息遣(いきづか)いが()こえる: to hear someone's breathing
  • 息遣(いきづか)いを(かん)じる: to sense someone's breathing

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 呼吸(こきゅう): respiration — more clinical/scientific; refers to the biological function
  • (いき): breath — the basic word; neutral and general
  • 吐息(といき): sigh — specifically an exhaled breath expressing emotion