Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 noun #2,000 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

breathe

Top 2,000

At the A1 level, 'breathe' is a basic word about your body. It means to take air in and out. You use it when you talk about being alive or being healthy. For example, 'I breathe air.' It is an important action that we do all the time without thinking. You might learn it when you talk about parts of the body like the mouth and nose. It is a simple verb. You should also know 'breath' (the noun), but 'breathe' is the action. When you go to the doctor, they might say 'Breathe!' to check your lungs. It is a very common word that everyone needs to know to talk about basic life.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'breathe' in more sentences. You might use adverbs like 'slowly' or 'quickly'. For example, 'Breathe slowly to relax.' You also learn the phrasal verbs 'breathe in' and 'breathe out'. These are very useful if you do exercise or yoga. You might hear a teacher say, 'Breathe in through your nose.' You also learn that if you cannot breathe, it is a problem. 'The room is hot; I can't breathe.' You are starting to see how the word is used in daily life, not just in a science way. You also learn to distinguish it from 'breath' more clearly in your writing.

At the B1 level, you use 'breathe' for more than just air. You might use it to talk about feelings. 'I breathed a sigh of relief' is a common phrase when something bad doesn't happen. You also use it to describe environments. 'The air in the mountains is easy to breathe.' You understand that 'breathe' can mean to take a break or a rest. If you are very busy, you might say, 'I don't have time to breathe!' This shows you are using the word in a more natural, idiomatic way. You also start to see it used for things like wine or clothes that 'breathe' to stay fresh.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with 'breathe' in many contexts. You understand idioms like 'breathing down someone's neck' (watching them too closely) or 'breathing new life into something' (making it exciting again). You can use it to describe air quality or technical processes like aeration. You also know the difference between 'breathe' and 'inhale' or 'gasp'. You can use the word to add detail to your stories or to explain complex feelings. You understand that 'breathe' is a versatile verb that connects physical health, emotional states, and even the quality of materials like fabric or wine.

At the C1 level, you use 'breathe' with precision and nuance. You might use it in literary ways, such as 'the city breathed with energy'. You understand the subtle difference between 'breathe easy' and 'breathe easily'. You can discuss the physiological and psychological aspects of breathing in a professional or academic setting. You are familiar with more obscure idioms and can use the word to create specific atmospheres in your writing. You also understand how 'breathe' functions in specialized fields like enology (wine study) or textile engineering, and you can use it correctly in those high-level discussions.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'breathe'. You can use it in highly metaphorical, poetic, or technical ways without error. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved in the English language. You can play with the word in puns or sophisticated wordplay. You recognize its use in various dialects and registers. Whether you are writing a medical paper on respiratory systems or a poem about the 'breathing' of the ocean, you use the word with total native-like fluency. You also understand the cultural significance of 'breath' and 'breathing' in different philosophies and how that is reflected in English usage.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

breathe in 30 Sekunden

Breathe is a verb meaning to move air in and out of the lungs, essential for life and health.
It is often confused with the noun 'breath'; remember that 'breathe' is the action and has an 'e'.
Metaphorically, it can mean to relax, to give life to something, or to allow air to circulate through wine or fabric.
Common idioms include 'breathe a sigh of relief', 'breathe down someone's neck', and 'breathe new life into'.

To breathe is the most fundamental act of life. At its core, it is the physiological process of inhaling oxygen-rich air into the lungs and exhaling carbon dioxide. However, in the English language, this verb carries a weight far beyond simple biology. It encompasses the rhythm of existence, the ability to find peace, and the very essence of being alive. When we speak of breathing, we are often speaking of the space we occupy in the world.

Biological Function: The mechanical process of respiration involving the diaphragm and lungs to exchange gases essential for cellular metabolism.

Beyond the physical, 'breathe' is used metaphorically to describe a sense of relief or the restoration of freedom. If a situation is suffocating, being able to 'breathe' again implies that the pressure has been lifted. It is also used in the context of materials and liquids. For instance, allowing a heavy red wine to 'breathe' means letting it interact with the air to develop its full flavor profile. Similarly, 'breathable' fabrics allow air to pass through, preventing the wearer from becoming too hot.

After the final exams were over, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Metaphorical Life: To instill vitality or vigor into something, such as 'breathing new life' into an old project or a decaying neighborhood.

In literature and poetry, to breathe is often synonymous with existing. To 'breathe the air' of a certain place is to experience its culture and atmosphere deeply. It is a word that connects our internal state with the external environment. When we tell someone to 'just breathe,' we are asking them to return to their center, to slow down, and to regain control over their physiological and emotional state. This connection between breath and emotion is a cornerstone of many meditative and yogic practices worldwide.

The artist's work seemed to breathe with a vitality that made the portraits look almost real.

Aeration: Allowing air to circulate through something, such as soil in a garden or a bottle of wine, to improve its quality or condition.

You should let the wine breathe for at least thirty minutes before serving it to guests.

The new loan gave the struggling startup some room to breathe and pivot its strategy.

It was so crowded in the elevator that I felt like I couldn't breathe.

Using the word breathe correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a verb. It is an intransitive verb when describing the general act of respiration, but it can take an object in specific idiomatic expressions. For example, you 'breathe air' (transitive), but you simply 'breathe' (intransitive) to stay alive. The most common error for learners is confusing it with the noun 'breath'. Remember: 'breathe' (verb) has an 'e' at the end and a long vowel sound, while 'breath' (noun) does not.

Adverbial Collocations: Commonly paired with adverbs like 'deeply', 'heavily', 'raggedly', 'softly', or 'easily'. Each changes the tone of the action significantly.

In a physical sense, you might 'breathe in' (inhale) or 'breathe out' (exhale). These phrasal verbs are essential for giving instructions in yoga, sports, or medical examinations. 'Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth' is a standard instruction. When someone is 'breathing down your neck', it means they are watching you too closely or putting pressure on you, which is a common idiom in workplace environments.

The coach told the runners to breathe rhythmically to maintain their pace during the marathon.

Figurative Usage: Used to describe the animation of an idea or the creation of a certain atmosphere. 'The director breathed life into the old script.'

Another important usage is 'not to breathe a word', which means to keep a secret. This highlights the connection between breath and speech; you cannot speak without exhaling. Therefore, to not even 'breathe' a word is to remain completely silent. In professional contexts, 'breathing space' or 'room to breathe' refers to a period of time where one is free from the usual pressures of work or deadlines.

Please don't breathe a word of this surprise party to Sarah; it's a secret!

Environmental Context: Used when discussing air quality. 'It is becoming harder to breathe in cities with high levels of smog and pollution.'

The mountain air was so crisp and clean that it felt wonderful to breathe deeply.

The fabric of this tent is designed to breathe, preventing condensation from building up inside.

He was breathing so loudly that I couldn't hear the movie.

The word breathe is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from the highly technical to the deeply emotional. In a medical or clinical setting, you will hear it during physical examinations. A doctor might say, 'Breathe in deeply and hold it,' while listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. It is a vital sign, and its absence or difficulty is a primary concern in emergency medicine.

Wellness and Mindfulness: In yoga studios, meditation apps, and therapy sessions, 'breathe' is a constant command. It is used to guide practitioners toward relaxation and presence.

In the world of sports and athletics, 'breathing' is a technique. Swimmers must time their breathing with their strokes; runners must find a cadence that allows them to breathe efficiently. Coaches often emphasize 'breathing through the diaphragm' to maximize oxygen intake. You will also hear it in the context of performance anxiety. A singer or public speaker might be told to 'remember to breathe' to keep their voice steady and calm their nerves.

The yoga instructor whispered, 'Just breathe into the tension and let it go.'

Culinary and Lifestyle: Sommeliers and wine enthusiasts frequently discuss letting a wine 'breathe' to enhance its complexity before consumption.

In environmental science and news reporting, 'breathing' is used when discussing air quality indices (AQI). You might hear reports about how 'it is unsafe to breathe the air today' due to wildfires or industrial pollution. This usage highlights the word's connection to survival and public health. Furthermore, in the fashion and textile industry, 'breathability' is a major selling point for high-performance fabrics used in everything from running shoes to luxury bedding.

The doctor asked the patient to breathe out slowly while he checked the heartbeat.

Idiomatic Speech: In daily conversation, phrases like 'breathe easy' (to relax) or 'breathe new life into' (to refresh) are common.

After the police caught the thief, the neighborhood could finally breathe easy again.

The smog was so thick that it was painful to breathe without a mask.

I need a vacation just so I can breathe and forget about work for a while.

The most frequent mistake involving breathe is its confusion with the noun breath. This is a classic spelling and pronunciation error that even native speakers sometimes make. 'Breathe' is the verb (the action), and 'breath' is the noun (the thing you take). For example, you 'take a breath' (noun) so that you can 'breathe' (verb). The pronunciation is also different: 'breathe' ends with a voiced /ð/ sound (like 'the'), while 'breath' ends with an unvoiced /θ/ sound (like 'think').

Spelling Confusion: Incorrect: 'I need to take a deep breathe.' Correct: 'I need to take a deep breath.' OR 'I need to breathe deeply.'

Another mistake is the misuse of the phrase 'breathe down someone's neck'. Some learners use it to mean simply being near someone, but it specifically implies a sense of pressure, surveillance, or intimidation. If your boss is 'breathing down your neck', they are watching your every move to ensure you don't make a mistake. Using it in a friendly context might sound strange or even slightly aggressive to a native speaker.

Don't say: 'I can't breath in this smoke.' Say: 'I can't breathe in this smoke.'

Preposition Errors: Confusing 'breathe in' with 'breathe into'. You 'breathe in' air, but you might 'breathe life into' a project.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the metaphorical use of 'breathe' for objects. You wouldn't say a 'car breathes' unless you are speaking very poetically about its engine intake. Usually, 'breathing' for objects is reserved for wine, fabrics, or soil. Using it for other inanimate objects might sound like personification that doesn't quite fit the context. Additionally, 'breathing room' is a compound noun, but the action is still 'to have room to breathe'.

Incorrect: 'The runner was breathing a heavy breath.' Correct: 'The runner was breathing heavily.'

Tense Misuse: Remember that 'breathed' is the past tense. 'He breathed a sigh of relief' is correct, not 'He breath a sigh'.

Be careful: 'Breathless' is an adjective, but 'breathing' can be a noun (gerund) or a verb.

Incorrect: 'I like this shirt because it breaths well.' Correct: 'I like this shirt because it breathes well.'

Don't confuse 'breathe' with 'breed' (to produce offspring) or 'bread' (food).

While breathe is the most common term for respiration, English offers several synonyms that convey specific nuances of how one is breathing. Understanding these can greatly enrich your descriptive writing and speaking. For instance, 'inhale' and 'exhale' are more formal or technical terms, often used in medical or instructional contexts. They describe the two halves of the breathing cycle individually.

Breathe vs. Gasp: 'Breathe' is regular and continuous. 'Gasp' is a sudden, sharp inhalation, usually due to surprise, pain, or a desperate need for air.

Other words describe the sound or effort of breathing. 'Pant' describes short, quick breaths, often like a dog or a person who has just finished a sprint. 'Wheeze' describes breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest, usually associated with asthma or illness. 'Sigh' is a long, deep exhalation expressing tiredness, sadness, or relief. 'Puff' suggests breathing in short bursts, often while struggling with physical exertion.

She gasped in shock when she saw the surprise, unable to breathe for a second.

Breathe vs. Respire: 'Respire' is the technical, biological term for breathing. It is rarely used in casual conversation and is found mostly in scientific texts.

In a metaphorical sense, 'breathe' can be compared to 'live' or 'exist'. However, 'breathe' emphasizes the active, rhythmic nature of life. To 'breathe life into' something is similar to 'revitalize' or 'reanimate'. When comparing 'breathe' to 'aerate', 'aerate' is the more technical term for introducing air into a substance (like soil or water), whereas 'breathe' is the more common term for wine or fabrics.

The athlete was panting heavily after the uphill climb, trying to breathe normally again.

Breathe vs. Inhale: 'Inhale' is specifically the act of taking air in. You can inhale smoke or a scent, but 'breathe' implies the whole cycle.

He sighed with contentment as he sat down, finally able to breathe easy.

The old house seemed to breathe with the memories of the families who had lived there.

I could hear him wheezing from the other room because of his allergies.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Informell

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

I breathe air every day.

I take air in and out.

Present simple tense.

Can you breathe through your nose?

Use your nose to take air.

Question with 'can'.

The baby is breathing.

The baby is alive and taking air.

Present continuous tense.

Breathe in, please.

Take air in.

Imperative mood.

We need air to breathe.

Air is necessary for life.

Infinitive of purpose.

He doesn't breathe well.

He has a problem with air.

Negative present simple.

Breathe out slowly.

Let the air out slowly.

Imperative with adverb.

Fish breathe in water.

Fish take air from water.

General fact.

It is hard to breathe in this smoke.

The smoke makes it difficult.

Adjective + infinitive.

She breathed deeply before the race.

She took a big breath.

Past simple tense.

You should breathe through your mouth.

Use your mouth for air.

Modal verb 'should'.

The doctor told me to breathe in.

The doctor gave an order.

Reported speech.

I like to breathe the fresh air.

I enjoy the clean air.

Verb + object.

Stop and breathe for a minute.

Take a short rest.

Imperative.

Are you breathing okay?

Is your air intake fine?

Present continuous question.

He was breathing heavily after the run.

He was taking air fast.

Past continuous with adverb.

She breathed a sigh of relief when she found her keys.

She felt happy and relaxed.

Idiomatic expression.

The yoga teacher said to breathe into the stretch.

Focus your air on the muscle.

Phrasal usage.

I haven't had time to breathe all day!

I have been very busy.

Hyperbole/Idiom.

This cotton shirt allows your skin to breathe.

The fabric lets air through.

Metaphorical usage for fabric.

You need to let the wine breathe before drinking it.

Let the wine touch the air.

Metaphorical usage for wine.

He breathed new life into the old house.

He made the house look new.

Idiom: breathe life into.

The air was so cold it was painful to breathe.

The cold air hurt the lungs.

Result clause.

Just breathe and try to stay calm.

Use your breath to relax.

Imperative for advice.

My boss is constantly breathing down my neck.

My boss watches me too much.

Idiom: breathing down someone's neck.

The city finally had some room to breathe after the traffic was diverted.

The city felt less crowded.

Idiom: room to breathe.

Don't you dare breathe a word of this to anyone!

Don't tell the secret.

Idiom: breathe a word.

The athlete struggled to breathe in the thin mountain air.

The air had less oxygen.

Infinitive after 'struggled'.

The designer used breathable materials for the sportswear.

Materials that allow air flow.

Adjective 'breathable'.

He breathed deeply, trying to compose himself before the speech.

He took air to get ready.

Participle phrase.

The market is starting to breathe again after the crisis.

The market is recovering.

Metaphorical usage.

The patient was breathing raggedly when the ambulance arrived.

Breathing was uneven and difficult.

Adverb 'raggedly'.

The novel breathes the atmosphere of 1920s Paris.

The book captures the feeling perfectly.

Transitive metaphorical use.

She breathed a prayer of thanks as the plane landed safely.

She said a quiet prayer.

Verb + object (prayer).

The project was failing until the new CEO breathed life into it.

The CEO gave it new energy.

Complex idiom.

The heavy curtains didn't allow the room to breathe, making it feel stuffy.

No air could circulate.

Causative structure.

He could finally breathe easy knowing his family was safe.

He could relax completely.

Idiom: breathe easy.

The sculpture seemed to breathe with a life of its own.

The art looked very real.

Simile/Metaphor.

The smog was so pervasive that breathing became a conscious effort.

You had to think about taking air.

Gerund as subject.

The wine needs to breathe for at least an hour to reach its peak.

Oxygen is needed for the flavor.

Infinitive of necessity.

The very stones of the cathedral seemed to breathe the history of centuries.

The building felt alive with history.

Highly metaphorical/Poetic.

He was so close I could feel him breathe.

I could feel his air.

Bare infinitive after 'feel'.

The policy was designed to give the economy some breathing space.

A period of relief for the economy.

Compound noun 'breathing space'.

She didn't breathe a syllable about her true intentions.

She said absolutely nothing.

Variation of 'breathe a word'.

The landscape breathed a sense of profound tranquility.

The view felt very peaceful.

Transitive metaphorical use.

The respiratory therapist monitored how the patient breathed under stress.

Observed the air intake.

Technical context.

The fabric's ability to breathe is essential for high-altitude climbing.

Air flow is vital.

Abstract noun phrase.

To breathe is to judge, for every breath we take is a choice to continue.

Breathing is a philosophical act.

Philosophical/Literary.

Synonyme

inhale exhale respire gasp pant

Gegenteile

suffocate stifle choke

Häufige Kollokationen

breathe deeply

breathe heavily

breathe easily

breathe freely

breathe rhythmically

hardly breathe

breathe in

breathe out

breathe air

breathe life

Häufige Phrasen

breathe a sigh of relief

breathe new life into

breathe down someone's neck

not breathe a word

room to breathe

breathe easy

breathe your last

breathe fire

breathe again

breathe in deeply

Wird oft verwechselt mit

breathe vs breath

breathe vs breed

breathe vs bread

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

breathe vs breath

Noun vs Verb

breathe vs bread

Food vs Respiration

breathe vs breed

Reproduction vs Respiration

breathe vs broad

Width vs Respiration

breathe vs broth

Soup vs Respiration

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

note1

Breathe is a verb; breath is a noun.

note2

Breathe is often used with 'relief'.

Häufige Fehler

I need to take a deep breathe.
He was breath heavily.
Don't breath a word.
The wine needs to breath.
I can't breath in here.

Tipps

The 'E' Rule

Always remember that 'breathe' the verb ends in 'e'. If you are describing an action, you need that 'e'. If you are describing the thing you take, you don't.

Voice the TH

The 'th' in 'breathe' is voiced. Your vocal cords should vibrate. This is different from the 'th' in 'breath', which is just a puff of air.

Relief Context

One of the most common ways to use 'breathe' is with 'relief'. 'Breathe a sigh of relief' is a phrase you will hear and use very often.

Adverb Pairing

To sound more natural, pair 'breathe' with adverbs like 'deeply', 'heavily', or 'easily'. This adds much more detail to your English.

Workplace Idioms

In an office, use 'room to breathe' to talk about needing more time or space to complete a project without being stressed.

Mindfulness

When you are stressed, telling yourself to 'just breathe' is a great way to use the word and also a great way to calm down.

Phrasal Verbs

Master 'breathe in' and 'breathe out'. They are the building blocks for talking about any physical activity or medical situation.

Creative Writing

Use 'breathe' for inanimate objects like cities or stories to make your writing more vivid and alive. It's a powerful literary tool.

Context Clues

If you hear 'breathe' in a restaurant, it's likely about the wine. If you hear it in a gym, it's about the exercise. Context is key!

Pause for Breath

In public speaking, 'breathing' is not just a verb but a technique. Remember to breathe between sentences to keep your pace steady.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Old English

Kultureller Kontext

Letting wine 'breathe' is a standard practice for red wines.

Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga.

Breathing life into something is a common creative metaphor.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you find it easy to breathe in this city?"

"How do you remember to breathe when you are stressed?"

"Do you let your wine breathe before you drink it?"

"What kind of fabrics do you find most breathable?"

"Has anyone ever breathed new life into a project of yours?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time you breathed a sigh of relief.

How does it feel to breathe the air in a place you love?

Write about a situation where someone was breathing down your neck.

What does 'room to breathe' mean to you in your daily life?

Describe the feeling of breathing deeply after a long day.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is 'take a breath'. 'Breath' is the noun, and 'breathe' is the verb. You use the noun after the verb 'take'.

It is pronounced with a long 'e' sound (like 'see') and a voiced 'th' (like 'the'). It rhymes with 'seethe'.

It means to bring new energy, ideas, or success to something that was old, failing, or boring. It's a very common idiom in business and art.

Yes, in a metaphorical sense. When wine is exposed to air, it reacts with oxygen, which helps to open up its flavors and soften harsh tannins.

A breathable fabric is one that allows air and moisture (like sweat) to pass through it easily. This is very important for sports and outdoor clothing.

It means someone is watching you very closely and putting pressure on you to perform or finish a task. It is usually used in a negative way.

It can be both. 'I breathe' is intransitive. 'I breathe air' is transitive. It depends on whether there is a direct object.

The past tense is 'breathed'. For example: 'He breathed deeply before jumping into the water.'

A 'breather' is a short rest or break from an activity. For example: 'I've been working for hours; I need to take a breather.'

No, the standard idiom is 'breathe a word'. It is almost always used in the negative, like 'Don't breathe a word of this to anyone.'