Japanese

ひといき
Meaning: a breather; a pause; a short breath
Part of Speech: Noun

Listen to pronunciation

Handwriting

一
息

Example sentences

Since the work reached a stopping point, I decided to take a breather.
彼はコーヒーの香りを嗅いで、ほっと一息ついた。
He smelled the aroma of the coffee and breathed a sigh of relief.
食事の後に、温かい煎茶を淹れて一息ついた。
After the meal, I brewed some warm sencha and took a breather.

Usage Notes

Refers to a short rest or taking a single breath. Also used to describe finishing something in one go or needing 'just one more push'.

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