How to say "sigh" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

ため息ためいきJLPT N2approx.Common
nounThe default word for a sigh itself — the audible breath you let out when tired, relieved, or exasperated. If you just want to say someone sighs, this is the word you want.
「溜息ためいきなんてついてた？」「不幸ふしあわせなオーラ出だしながらね」↗
"Did I really sigh?" "While giving out an aura of unhappiness."
嘆息たんそくCommon
noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers sighing that expresses grief, disappointment, or lamenting rather than a neutral or weary breath. Choose it when the sigh carries sorrow or deploring of something.
深々ふかぶかと嘆息たんそくして、廊下ろうかへ向むかう。↗
He sighed deeply and headed to the corridor.

Use 「ため息」 for the everyday act of sighing, and 嘆息 when the sigh expresses grief, disappointment, or lamentation.

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

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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