How to say "breathtaking" in Japanese

• 息を呑むほどいきをのむほど
  expression, no-adjectiveCovers the literal sense of breathtaking: something so stunning it makes you gasp, as with scenery or a view. It works adverbially before an adjective or verb, and is less common than 圧巻.
• 息を呑むよういきをのむよう
  expression, na-adjectiveAlso expresses the gasp-inducing sense of breathtaking, with an added nuance of thrilling impact. Like the ほど form it is less common, describing sights or moments that leave you literally holding your breath.
• 圧巻あっかんCommon
  no-adjectiveThe everyday colloquial choice for breathtaking in the sense of spectacular or stunning, especially for performances, matches, or works that are the highlight of their kind. This is usually the word you want for impressive displays rather than literal gasping.

Choose 「息を呑むほど」 or 「息を呑むよう」 for the literal sense of being so awe-inspiring you gasp, and 圧巻 for describing a spectacular, impressive performance or piece of work.

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

• 息を呑むほどいきをのむほどbreathtaking
• 息を呑むよういきをのむようbreathtaking
• 圧巻あっかんstunning