Meaning
Pausing to rest after physical exertion.
Cultural Background
In Italian football (calcio) commentary, you will often hear that a team is 'prendendo fiato' when they slow down the pace of the game to conserve energy for a final sprint. The 'pausa caffè' is a sacred ritual in Italian offices. It is the socially accepted way to 'prendere fiato' and socialize, often lasting 10-15 minutes. Modern Italian authors often use 'prendere fiato' to describe a character's moment of clarity or a pause in a dramatic narrative arc. In Southern Italy, the 'controra' (the hottest hours of the day) is a time when the whole city seems to 'prendere fiato' before the evening activities begin.
Use it for relief
Use 'prendere fiato' when you finish a difficult exam to show both physical and mental relief.
Don't pluralize
Even if a whole group is tired, say 'Dobbiamo prendere fiato', not 'fiati'.
Meaning
Pausing to rest after physical exertion.
Use it for relief
Use 'prendere fiato' when you finish a difficult exam to show both physical and mental relief.
Don't pluralize
Even if a whole group is tired, say 'Dobbiamo prendere fiato', not 'fiati'.
The Coffee Connection
In Italy, 'prendere un caffè' is often synonymous with 'prendere fiato'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'prendere fiato'.
Dopo la corsa, io mi fermo sempre per ______.
'Prendere fiato' is the standard idiom for catching your breath after running.
Which sentence uses the phrase figuratively?
Choose the best option:
This refers to a mental break from work, which is a figurative use.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Andiamo in cima alla montagna?' B: 'Sì, ma aspetta...'
'Fammi prendere fiato' is the natural way to ask for a moment to recover during a climb.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
Which phrase fits a 'breathtaking view'?
'Da togliere il fiato' is used for something so beautiful it takes your breath away.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Fiato vs. Aria
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDopo la corsa, io mi fermo sempre per ______.
'Prendere fiato' is the standard idiom for catching your breath after running.
Choose the best option:
This refers to a mental break from work, which is a figurative use.
A: 'Andiamo in cima alla montagna?' B: 'Sì, ma aspetta...'
'Fammi prendere fiato' is the natural way to ask for a moment to recover during a climb.
Which phrase fits a 'breathtaking view'?
'Da togliere il fiato' is used for something so beautiful it takes your breath away.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'prendere fiato' without the article is more common and idiomatic.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a professional meeting to suggest a break.
'Respiro' is the act of breathing; 'fiato' is the breath as a resource or stamina.
No, it's usually for a short pause. For a vacation, use 'andare in vacanza' or 'staccare la spina'.
Almost. 'Riprendere' emphasizes *regaining* the breath you lost.
Use the adjective 'mozzafiato'.
It's better to use 'respirare' in medical emergencies.
Yes, you can say a dog is 'prendendo fiato' after playing.
Not exactly, but 'staccare' is a common informal alternative for the figurative sense.
Yes, musicians 'prendono fiato' between phrases.
Related Phrases
riprendere fiato
similarTo regain one's breath
tirare il fiato
similarTo take a breather
mozzafiato
builds onBreathtaking
a perdifiato
contrastAt breakneck speed
restare senza fiato
specialized formTo be left breathless
