How to say "breathe" in Japanese

• つくJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers breathing out as well as breathing generally. Marked as a common word and usually written in kana alone; a natural choice when exhaling is the focus.
  息いきを深ふかく吸すったり吐ついたりしてください。↗

  Take a deep breath in and out, please.
• 吹きかけるふきかける
  ichidan verb, transitive verbMeans to blow or spray on something, with 'breathe (on)' as one gloss. Not a general word for breathing; use it only when breath is directed onto something.
  息いきを吹ふきかけて両手りょうてを暖あたためた。↗

  I blew on my hands to warm them.
• 息づくいきづく
  godan verb, intransitive verbCorresponds to breathing heavily: panting, gasping, or sighing. Choose this when 'breathe' implies labored or audible breathing rather than quiet, ordinary breathing.
• 息吹くいぶく
  godan verb, intransitive verbA straightforward equivalent of 'to breathe', but it is less common and can feel literary; for everyday use 息をする is typically the safer choice.
• 息をするいきをする
  expression, suru verbThe plain, general verb 'to breathe' — taking in and letting out air. Though tagged less common, it is the default word for ordinary breathing in most contexts.
  鼻はなで息いきをしていてください。↗

  Please breathe through your nose.

Use 「息をする」 for ordinary breathing, 「つく」 for breathing out, 「息づく」 for heavy breathing or panting, 「吹きかける」 only for breathing on something, and 「息吹く」 which is a rare literary equivalent.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• つくto breathe out
• 吹きかけるふきかけるto blow (on)
• 息づくいきづくto breathe (heavily)
• 息吹くいぶくto breathe
• 息をするいきをするto breathe
• ふっかけるto blow (on)