verb / noun HSK 4
to breathe · breath · respiration
Meaning
呼吸 means to breathe or breathing, referring to the process of inhaling and exhaling air. It's commonly used in both everyday speech and medical contexts to describe the fundamental act of respiration.
Usage
Native speakers use 呼吸 in both casual and formal contexts. It can function as a verb (我在呼吸 - I am breathing) or as a noun (深呼吸 - deep breath). Common in health, medical, and fitness discussions. Often appears in phrases about fresh air, breathing exercises, or respiratory problems.
Examples
- 01外面空气很好，我们出去呼吸一下新鲜空气吧。, .The air outside is very good, let's go out and breathe some fresh air.
- 02感到紧张的时候，深呼吸可以帮助你放松。, .When you feel nervous, taking deep breaths can help you relax.
Characters
Measure words
- 口深深地吸了一口气
Common collocations
- 深呼吸deep breath
- 呼吸新鲜空气to breathe fresh air
- 呼吸困难difficulty breathing
- 人工呼吸artificial respiration, CPR
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 呼 (to breathe out) and 吸 (to breathe in), literally capturing the complete cycle of respiration. Both characters contain the mouth radical 口, emphasizing the connection to breathing through the mouth and nose.