Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use this phrase to describe a scene so beautiful or shocking that it physically stops your breath.
- Means: A sight so stunning it makes you gasp in awe.
- Used in: Describing landscapes, dramatic performances, or surprising artistic works.
- Don't confuse: Don't use it for mundane or slightly pretty things; it implies intensity.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
A scene that is so stunning it makes one gasp in awe.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the appreciation of nature is often silent. This phrase captures that moment of silence. Western cultures often use 'breathtaking' to describe excitement, whereas in Japan, it is more about awe. In the digital age, this phrase is often used on Instagram to describe high-contrast, beautiful photos. Japanese novelists use this phrase to slow down the pace of a story during a climactic visual reveal.
Use with '光景'
It is most natural when followed by '光景' (scene) or '景色' (scenery).
Don't use for food
It is strictly for visual scenes, not taste.
Use with '光景'
It is most natural when followed by '光景' (scene) or '景色' (scenery).
Don't use for food
It is strictly for visual scenes, not taste.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
その{景色|けしき}に{息|いき}を____ような{光景|こうけい}だ。
The idiom is '息を呑む'.
Which sentence is most natural?
Choose the best sentence.
You 'see' a view, you don't eat, walk, or talk it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: この山からの景色、すごいね！ B: 本当に____。
The phrase is the correct idiom for a stunning view.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesその{景色|けしき}に{息|いき}を____ような{光景|こうけい}だ。
The idiom is '息を呑む'.
Choose the best sentence.
You 'see' a view, you don't eat, walk, or talk it.
A: この山からの景色、すごいね！ B: 本当に____。
The phrase is the correct idiom for a stunning view.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it is for scenes or events, not people.
It is neutral and can be used in most situations.
Related Phrases
絶景
synonymSuperb view
言葉を失う
similarTo be speechless
圧倒される
similarTo be overwhelmed
目を見張る
similarTo open eyes wide
Where to Use It
Hiking
A: わあ、見て！
B: 本当に息を呑むような光景だね。
Art Museum
Guide: こちらが今回の目玉です。
Visitor: 息を呑むような光景ですね。
City Night View
Friend: この夜景、最高じゃない？
You: うん、息を呑むような光景だ。
Performance
Critic: 舞台装置が素晴らしかった。
Friend: 息を呑むような光景でしたね。
Travel Blog
Writer: そこには息を呑むような光景が広がっていた。
Social Media
User: 息を呑むような光景！#絶景
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are so surprised by a view that you swallow your breath like a drink (nomu).
Visual Association
A person standing on a cliff, eyes wide, hands over their mouth, gasping at a sunset.
Story
I climbed the mountain. At the top, I saw the valley. It was so beautiful I stopped breathing. I swallowed my breath. It was a breathtaking view.
In Other Languages
English 'breathtaking' is a direct conceptual equivalent. Many languages use the 'gasp' or 'breath' metaphor.
Word Web
Challenge
Find a photo of a beautiful place online and say '息を呑むような光景だ' out loud.
Review in 1, 3, 7, and 30 days.
Pronunciation
Short 'i', clear 'ki'.
Clear 'no', short 'mu'.
Formality Spectrum
息を呑むような光景でございます。 (Describing a view.)
息を呑むような光景です。 (Describing a view.)
息を呑むような光景だね。 (Describing a view.)
マジで息呑むわ。 (Describing a view.)
The phrase comes from the physiological response of gasping when surprised. It evolved from the verb 'nomu' (to swallow) used with 'iki' (breath).
Fun Fact
The kanji '呑' is a variant of '飲' (to drink), specifically used for swallowing something whole or holding something in.
Cultural Notes
In Japan, the appreciation of nature is often silent. This phrase captures that moment of silence.
“京都の寺院で見た庭園は、息を呑むような光景だった。”
Western cultures often use 'breathtaking' to describe excitement, whereas in Japan, it is more about awe.
“The Grand Canyon was a breathtaking sight.”
In the digital age, this phrase is often used on Instagram to describe high-contrast, beautiful photos.
“息を呑むような光景を投稿する。”
Japanese novelists use this phrase to slow down the pace of a story during a climactic visual reveal.
“彼は息を呑むような光景を前に、立ち尽くした。”
Conversation Starters
最近見た一番きれいな景色は何ですか？
旅行中に一番感動したことは？
Common Mistakes
息を食べるような光景
息を呑むような光景
L1 Interference
息を呑む光景だ
息を呑むような光景だ
L1 Interference
息を呑むような美味しい食べ物
とても美味しい食べ物
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Una vista que quita el aliento
Spanish uses 'quitar' (to take away) while Japanese uses 'nomu' (to swallow).
À couper le souffle
French uses 'couper' (to cut) instead of 'swallow'.
Atemberaubend
It is a single word rather than a phrase.
息を呑むような光景
N/A
يخطف الأنفاس
The verb 'snatch' is more aggressive than 'swallow'.
令人窒息的景色
The Chinese term is slightly more intense/negative in literal meaning.
숨이 멎을 듯한 광경
Korean uses 'stop' (멎다) instead of 'swallow' (삼키다/마시다).
De tirar o fôlego
Uses 'tirar' (to pull/take) instead of 'swallow'.
Spotted in the Real World
“息を呑むような光景！”
Caption for a photo of a sunset.
Easily Confused
Both use 'iki' (breath).
息を殺す means 'to hold one's breath to be quiet/hidden', while 息を呑む is for surprise/awe.
Frequently Asked Questions (2)
No, it is for scenes or events, not people.
usage contextsIt is neutral and can be used in most situations.
usage contexts
