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A2 verb #3,500 most common 7 min read

respirar

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips respirar in 30 Seconds

Explanation respirar in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter respirar as a basic biological verb. It is introduced in the context of the body and health. Students learn to conjugate it in the present tense (eu respiro, você respira) to express immediate needs or physical states. Simple sentences like 'Eu respiro o ar' or 'Ele não respira bem' are typical. The focus is on the literal meaning: the intake of air. Visual aids often include pictures of people breathing deeply or a doctor checking a patient. At this stage, learners should simply aim to recognize the word and use it in basic subject-verb-object structures without worrying about complex idioms.

At the A2 level, the use of respirar expands to include more descriptive adverbs and common daily idioms. Learners start to use 'respirar fundo' (to breathe deeply) when talking about relaxation or stress. They also encounter the verb in past tenses (Pretérito Perfeito and Imperfeito) to describe previous actions, such as 'Ontem eu respirei ar puro no campo'. The concept of 'respirar aliviado' (to breathe a sigh of relief) is introduced as a common emotional expression. Students at this level should be able to follow simple instructions in a gym or yoga class that involve breathing techniques.

For B1 learners, respirar begins to take on more metaphorical meanings. The idea of 'tempo para respirar' (time to breathe/rest) becomes a frequent topic in conversations about work-life balance. Learners start to see the verb used in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive: 'É importante que você respire calmamente'. They also learn related nouns like 'respiração' and 'respirador'. At this stage, students can describe the atmosphere of a place using the verb, such as 'A cidade respira história', moving beyond the purely biological sense.

At the B2 level, students should be comfortable with the figurative and idiomatic nuances of respirar. They understand expressions like 'respirar por aparelhos' and can use them in discussions about economics, politics, or failing projects. The register of use becomes more varied, from informal chats to formal news reports about environmental issues (e.g., 'A Amazônia ajuda o planeta a respirar'). Learners also distinguish between 'respirar' and its more technical synonyms like 'inalar' or 'aspirar' depending on the formal or technical context of the conversation.

C1 learners use respirar with literary flair. They can appreciate and use the verb to describe abstract concepts, such as 'respirar a liberdade' (to breathe freedom) or 'um texto que respira poesia'. At this level, the focus is on the subtle connotations the verb carries in different literary styles. They can use the verb in complex hypothetical sentences and are aware of its use in historical texts or classical Portuguese literature (e.g., Camões or Pessoa). Their mastery includes knowing the correct prepositions and collocations in every possible context, from medical jargon to high-level corporate metaphors.

At the C2 level, the mastery of respirar is absolute. The speaker uses the verb instinctively in its most archaic or highly specialized forms. They can engage in deep philosophical discussions where 'respirar' is a metaphor for existence itself. They are capable of wordplay and can identify regional variations in the verb's usage across the Lusophone world (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc.). A C2 speaker might use 'respirar' to describe the subtle 'breathing' of an old building or the rhythmic 'breathing' of the sea in a poetic sense, demonstrating a native-like grasp of the language's expressive potential.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

respirar in 30 Seconds

Respirar is the Portuguese verb 'to breathe', essential for describing biological life and physical health.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses for beginners.
The word is frequently used metaphorically to mean 'taking a break' or 'feeling relief' (respirar aliviado).
It also describes the 'vibe' or atmosphere of a place, such as a city that 'breathes' culture or history.

The Portuguese verb respirar is a fundamental first-conjugation verb (-ar) that primarily describes the physiological act of inhaling and exhaling air. Beyond the biological necessity, it encompasses a wide range of metaphorical and situational meanings in Lusophone cultures. Whether you are discussing health, sports, or emotional well-being, this word is indispensable.

Biological Function: The literal movement of air into the lungs. It is used in medical contexts, fitness, and survival scenarios. For example, 'Ele respira com dificuldade' (He breathes with difficulty).

Depois de correr a maratona, eu só queria sentar e respirar fundo.

Emotional Relief: In Portuguese, 'respirar' is often used to describe the feeling of relief after a stressful period. 'Respirar aliviado' is a common expression meaning 'to breathe a sigh of relief'.

Esta cidade parece respirar história em cada esquina.

Temporal Space: It can mean taking a break. 'Não tive tempo nem para respirar' means 'I didn't even have time to breathe,' indicating an extremely busy schedule.

Preciso de um momento para respirar antes da próxima reunião.

O projeto está mal, está a respirar por aparelhos.

Respirar o ar puro da montanha é revigorante.

In summary, 'respirar' transitions smoothly from a physical act to a symbol of life, pace, and cultural essence. It is a regular verb, making its conjugation predictable and easy for beginners to master while offering depth for advanced speakers who wish to express nuanced emotional states or describe the atmosphere of a place.

Using respirar correctly involves understanding its transitivity and common prepositional pairings. Most often, it is used intransitively (without a direct object) to describe the act of breathing. For example, 'Eu respiro' (I breathe). However, it becomes transitive when you specify what is being inhaled, such as 'respirar ar puro' (to breathe fresh air).

Direct Objects: When followed by a noun, it indicates the substance being inhaled. Common objects include 'ar' (air), 'poeira' (dust), or 'perfume'.

É perigoso respirar esta fumaça tóxica.

Adverbial Modifiers: How one breathes often conveys emotion. 'Respirar fundo' (breathe deeply) suggests preparation or patience. 'Respirar ofegante' (breathe pantingly) suggests exhaustion.

Tente respirar calmamente durante a meditação.

Figurative Usage: In literary or advanced contexts, it can mean to exude or manifest. 'A casa respirava abandono' (The house breathed/exuded abandonment).

O museu parece respirar arte contemporânea.

Não consigo respirar com este colar tão apertado.

Abra a garrafa e deixe o vinho respirar por dez minutos.

Mastery of 'respirar' allows for precise descriptions of physical states and poetic descriptions of environments. Whether in the present tense for immediate actions or the imperfect for ongoing states in the past, its versatility is a key asset for any Portuguese learner.

You will encounter respirar in a myriad of daily scenarios across the Portuguese-speaking world. In the medical field, a doctor might say 'Respire fundo' while checking your lungs with a stethoscope. In the context of sports and fitness, instructors in Brazil or Portugal will emphasize 'Não esqueça de respirar' (Don't forget to breathe) during intense exercises or yoga sessions.

Daily Stress: In busy urban centers like São Paulo or Lisbon, you'll hear people complaining about the lack of 'tempo para respirar'. It's a universal idiom for being overwhelmed.

Com tanto trabalho, mal tenho tempo para respirar.

Environmental Contexts: Discussions about air pollution in big cities or the 'lungs of the world' (Amazon rainforest) frequently use this verb to describe the health of the planet.

Ele decidiu viajar para respirar novos ares.

Music and Literature: Portuguese Fado and Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) often use 'respirar' to denote longing or the vital essence of love. 'Você é o ar que eu respiro' (You are the air I breathe) is a classic romantic trope.

A música faz-me respirar melhor.

O mergulhador precisa respirar pelo tubo.

A marcação alta não permitia ao adversário respirar.

Real-world usage of 'respirar' is deeply tied to the rhythm of life. From the literal gasp of air after a swim to the metaphorical breath of a culture, it is a word that pulsates with the vitality of the Portuguese language.

While respirar is a regular verb, learners often stumble over its usage in specific idiomatic contexts or confuse it with related nouns. One common error is using the noun 'respiração' (breathing/respiration) when the verb 'respirar' is required. For example, saying 'A minha respiração é difícil' is grammatically correct but often 'Eu tenho dificuldade em respirar' is more natural in a medical context.

Confusion with 'Inalar': Learners sometimes use 'respirar' for specific medical inhalation (like using an inhaler), whereas 'inalar' is more precise for the intake of medication or specific fumes.

Não diga 'Eu respiro o remédio', diga 'Eu inalo o remédio'.

Preposition Pitfalls: When saying 'to breathe through something', use 'por'. 'Respirar pelo nariz' (breathe through the nose). Using 'com' (with) is a common English-interference mistake.

É importante respirar pelo nariz durante o exercício.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: Avoid adding an unnecessary 'de' after respirar. It is 'respirar ar puro', not 'respirar de ar puro'.

Vamos sair para respirar um pouco de ar fresco.

O paciente já consegue respirar sozinho.

Pare de fumar para poder respirar melhor.

By being mindful of these subtle distinctions, you can avoid common learner pitfalls and speak more like a native.

While respirar is the general term for breathing, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms that provide more specific nuances. Understanding these can greatly enrich your vocabulary.

Inalar vs. Exalar: These are the technical terms for inhaling and exhaling. They are used in scientific, medical, or formal contexts.

O iogue ensinou a inalar e exalar profundamente.

Aspirar: This means to suck in or inhale. It can also mean 'to aspire to' (ambition), but in a physical sense, it's about drawing air or dust in.

Cuidado para não aspirar o pó da limpeza.

O calor intenso fazia as pessoas sufocarem.

Ofegar: This means to pant or wheeze. It describes the short, quick breaths taken after heavy exertion.

Ele chegou ofegando após subir as escadas.

Respirar e suspirar são diferentes; o segundo envolve emoção.

Ela suspirou de saudade ao ver a foto antiga.

Choosing the right word depends on the intensity and the context of the 'breathing' action. While 'respirar' is your safe, go-to verb, these alternatives add color and precision to your Portuguese descriptions.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'spirare' is also the source of the English words 'spirit', 'inspire', and 'conspire'. In ancient times, breath was closely associated with the soul or spirit.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁeʃ.pi.ˈɾaɾ/

US /χes.pi.ˈχaχ/

The stress is on the final syllable '-rar'.

Rhymes With

cantar falar andar olhar pensar amar chegar estar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'e' too clearly in European Portuguese.
Making the 's' voiced (like a 'z') when it should be voiceless.
Failing to stress the last syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with the Spanish 'respirar' (different 'r' sounds).
Omitting the 'i' sound in the middle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'respiration' in English.

Writing 2/5

Regular -ar conjugation makes it straightforward to write in most tenses.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of 'r' and 's' varies by region, which can be tricky for learners.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though the final 'r' might be dropped in Brazilian speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ar corpo vida fazer sentir

Learn Next

respiração pulmão ofegar suspirar inalar

Advanced

apneia ventilação aeróbico expirar transpirar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verbs in the Present Tense

Eu respiro, Tu respiras, Ele respira...

Use of 'por' for movement through a medium

Respirar pelo nariz (through the nose).

Subjunctive for emotions/wishes

Espero que ele respire bem.

Infinitive after auxiliary verbs

Eu quero respirar.

Adverb placement after the verb

Respirar calmamente.

Examples by Level

Eu respiro ar puro.

I breathe fresh air.

Simple present tense, 1st person singular.

Você respira bem?

Do you breathe well?

Interrogative sentence in the present tense.

O bebê respira devagar.

The baby breathes slowly.

3rd person singular with an adverb.

Nós respiramos pelo nariz.

We breathe through the nose.

1st person plural with preposition 'pelo'.

Eles não respiram debaixo de água.

They don't breathe underwater.

Negative sentence in the present tense.

O peixe não respira como nós.

The fish doesn't breathe like us.

Comparison using 'como'.

Eu preciso respirar.

I need to breathe.

Infinitive after the auxiliary verb 'precisar'.

Ela respira fundo agora.

She breathes deeply now.

Use of 'fundo' as an adverb.

Ontem, eu respirei ar fresco na montanha.

Yesterday, I breathed fresh air in the mountains.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Respire fundo antes de falar.

Breathe deeply before speaking.

Imperative mood.

Eu respirei aliviado quando o teste acabou.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the test ended.

Idiom 'respirar aliviado'.

Ela estava a respirar muito rápido.

She was breathing very fast.

Continuous aspect (European Portuguese style).

Nós respirávamos o perfume das flores.

We used to breathe the scent of the flowers.

Pretérito Imperfeito (Ongoing past action).

Você consegue respirar com esta máscara?

Can you breathe with this mask?

Modal verb 'conseguir' + infinitive.

O médico disse para eu respirar devagar.

The doctor told me to breathe slowly.

Indirect command.

Eles respiraram o ar poluído da cidade.

They breathed the polluted air of the city.

Past tense with direct object.

Finalmente tenho um momento para respirar.

I finally have a moment to breathe.

Metaphorical use for taking a break.

Espero que você respire melhor amanhã.

I hope you breathe better tomorrow.

Present Subjunctive after 'espero que'.

A cidade inteira respira futebol hoje.

The entire city breathes football today.

Metaphorical use for atmosphere.

Não tive tempo nem para respirar esta semana.

I didn't even have time to breathe this week.

Common idiom for being busy.

Se você respirar fundo, vai se acalmar.

If you breathe deeply, you will calm down.

Future Conditional structure.

O mergulhador parou de respirar por um segundo.

The diver stopped breathing for a second.

Verb 'parar de' + infinitive.

É bom respirar novos ares de vez em quando.

It's good to breathe new air once in a while.

Idiom 'respirar novos ares'.

A poluição impede-nos de respirar bem.

Pollution prevents us from breathing well.

Verb 'impedir' + preposition 'de'.

A economia do país parece estar a respirar por aparelhos.

The country's economy seems to be on life support.

Idiom 'respirar por aparelhos'.

É necessário deixar o vinho respirar antes de servir.

It is necessary to let the wine breathe before serving.

Technical use in oenology.

O projeto voltou a respirar após o novo investimento.

The project started breathing again after the new investment.

Metaphor for revival.

Embora estivesse cansado, ele continuava a respirar ritmicamente.

Although he was tired, he continued to breathe rhythmically.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

O paciente respira sem o auxílio de máquinas.

The patient breathes without the help of machines.

Medical context.

A floresta é essencial para o mundo respirar.

The forest is essential for the world to breathe.

Environmental metaphor.

Sinto que não me deixam respirar com tantas regras.

I feel like they don't let me breathe with so many rules.

Metaphor for lack of freedom.

Ele respira confiança em tudo o que faz.

He breathes confidence in everything he does.

Metaphor for exuding a quality.

A narrativa respira uma melancolia profunda.

The narrative breathes a deep melancholy.

Literary use of 'respirar'.

O casarão abandonado parecia ainda respirar o passado.

The abandoned mansion seemed to still breathe the past.

Poetic personification.

O governo deu um fôlego para a empresa respirar.

The government gave the company some room to breathe.

Business metaphor.

A cada verso, o poema respira liberdade.

In every verse, the poem breathes freedom.

Abstract literary context.

Não convém respirar este clima de hostilidade.

It is not advisable to breathe this atmosphere of hostility.

Metaphorical use for social atmosphere.

O autor faz a língua portuguesa respirar de formas novas.

The author makes the Portuguese language breathe in new ways.

Metaphor for linguistic innovation.

O vale respira uma paz absoluta ao entardecer.

The valley breathes absolute peace at dusk.

Descriptive literary style.

Precisamos de uma pausa para que a equipe possa respirar.

We need a break so that the team can breathe.

Subjunctive for purpose.

A obra respira a genialidade do seu criador em cada detalhe.

The work breathes the genius of its creator in every detail.

High-level metaphorical usage.

Havia um silêncio tão denso que quase se podia ouvi-lo respirar.

There was a silence so dense you could almost hear it breathe.

Advanced personification of silence.

O texto respira o vernáculo mais puro da região.

The text breathes the purest vernacular of the region.

Linguistic metaphor.

O mercado imobiliário finalmente voltou a respirar a plenos pulmões.

The real estate market has finally started breathing again at full capacity.

Idiom 'a plenos pulmões' (with full lungs).

Sua escrita respira uma erudição pouco comum nos dias de hoje.

His writing breathes an erudition uncommon nowadays.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

O país respira aliviado após a resolução do conflito diplomático.

The country breathes a sigh of relief after the resolution of the diplomatic conflict.

Collective metaphorical personification.

A arquitetura da cidade respira a influência mourisca.

The city's architecture breathes Moorish influence.

Describing cultural influence.

O universo parece respirar através da expansão constante.

The universe seems to breathe through constant expansion.

Philosophical/Scientific metaphor.

Common Collocations

respirar fundo

respirar aliviado

respirar ar puro

tempo para respirar

respirar pelo nariz

deixar respirar

respirar novos ares

dificuldade em respirar

parar de respirar

respirar cultura

Common Phrases

Não me deixas respirar!

— You're suffocating me or not giving me space.

Sai de cima de mim, não me deixas respirar!

Respirar a plenos pulmões.

— To breathe deeply or live life to the fullest.

Na montanha, respiramos a plenos pulmões.

Mal tenho tempo para respirar.

— I am extremely busy.

Com os exames, mal tenho tempo para respirar.

Respirar fundo e seguir em frente.

— To take a deep breath and keep going.

A vida é difícil, mas temos de respirar fundo e seguir em frente.

Deixe o vinho respirar.

— Let the wine aerate.

Abra a garrafa agora e deixe o vinho respirar.

Respirar o mesmo ar.

— To be in the same place as someone else.

Não suporto respirar o mesmo ar que ele.

Respirar saúde.

— To look very healthy.

Depois das férias, ele respira saúde.

Até eu respirar.

— As long as I live/breathe.

Vou amar-te até eu respirar.

Respirar por um fio.

— To be barely surviving.

A empresa está a respirar por um fio.

Respirar a vida.

— To experience life intensely.

Viajar é respirar a vida.

Often Confused With

respirar vs respiração

This is the noun (breathing), whereas 'respirar' is the verb.

respirar vs suspirar

Means 'to sigh', which is a specific emotional breath, not just the act of breathing.

respirar vs transpirar

Means 'to sweat', often confused by beginners because of the similar sound.

Idioms & Expressions

"Respirar por aparelhos"

— To be in a terminal or extremely critical state (applied to people, businesses, or projects).

A economia está a respirar por aparelhos.

informal/journalistic

"Respirar aliviado"

— To feel a great sense of relief after a period of tension.

Ela respirou aliviada quando o filho chegou.

neutral

"Respirar novos ares"

— To seek a change of scenery or a new start in life.

Preciso de viajar para respirar novos ares.

neutral

"Não ter tempo para respirar"

— To be overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.

Desde que o bebê nasceu, não tenho tempo para respirar.

informal

"Respirar fundo"

— To gather courage or patience before doing something difficult.

Respire fundo e entre na sala do chefe.

neutral

"Respirar a plenos pulmões"

— To enjoy something intensely or to breathe deeply in a healthy environment.

Aqui no campo, respiro a plenos pulmões.

literary

"Deixar respirar"

— To give someone space or to allow a process to happen naturally.

Deixa o teu irmão respirar um pouco!

informal

"Respirar o ar da liberdade"

— To feel free after a period of restriction.

Após sair da prisão, ele finalmente respirou o ar da liberdade.

literary

"Respirar vingança"

— To be consumed by the desire for revenge.

Os seus olhos respiravam vingança.

literary

"Respirar confiança"

— To radiate self-assurance.

O novo diretor respira confiança.

neutral

Easily Confused

respirar vs aspirar

Both involve taking air in.

Aspirar is more about suction or inhaling a specific substance/ambition, while respirar is the general act of breathing.

Eu aspiro o pó; eu respiro o ar.

respirar vs inalar

Both mean to take air in.

Inalar is formal/medical; respirar is common/everyday.

Inalar o gás; respirar fundo.

respirar vs exalar

Related to breathing.

Exalar is specifically breathing out or emitting a smell.

Ele exalou o último suspiro.

respirar vs soprar

Involves air from the mouth.

Soprar is a forced expulsion of air (blowing).

Soprar as velas.

respirar vs ofegar

A type of breathing.

Ofegar is specifically panting due to tiredness.

Ele chegou ofegando.

Sentence Patterns

Eu [verb] [noun].

Eu respiro ar.

[Verb] [adverb]!

Respire fundo!

Não ter tempo para [verb].

Não tenho tempo para respirar.

Espero que [subject] [verb-subjunctive].

Espero que você respire.

[Subject] está a [verb] por aparelhos.

O plano está a respirar por aparelhos.

Deixar o [noun] [verb].

Deixar o vinho respirar.

O [place] respira [abstract noun].

O museu respira história.

[Verb] a plenos pulmões.

Respirar a plenos pulmões.

Word Family

Nouns

respiração (breathing)

respirador (respirator/ventilator)

respiro (breather/vent)

suspiro (sigh)

Verbs

respirar (to breathe)

suspirar (to sigh)

aspirar (to aspire/inhale)

exalar (to exhale)

Adjectives

respiratório (respiratory)

respirável (breathable)

ofegante (panting)

ar (air)

pulmão (lung)

fôlego (breath/stamina)

oxigénio (oxygen)

nariz (nose)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both literal and figurative senses.

Common Mistakes

Respirar de ar puro. → Respirar ar puro.
You don't need the preposition 'de' after respirar when it has a direct object.
Eu respiro com o nariz. → Eu respiro pelo nariz.
In Portuguese, we breathe 'through' (pelo) the nose, not 'with' (com) it.
A minha respirar é boa. → A minha respiração é boa.
Don't use the verb form when you need the noun 'respiração'.
Eu respiro fundo e sinto-me melhor. → Eu respiro fundo e sinto-me melhor.
This is actually correct, but learners often forget to use 'fundo' and try to translate 'deeply' literally as 'profundamente', which is less common.
O peixe respira o ar. → O peixe respira na água.
Technically, fish don't breathe 'air' (ar), they breathe 'oxigénio' from the water.

Tips

Regular Verb

Since it's a regular -ar verb, you can apply the same endings as 'falar' or 'amar'. This makes it very reliable for learners.

Deep Breath

Always remember 'respirar fundo'. It's one of the most useful phrases for health and emotional contexts.

Environmental Context

Use 'respirar' when talking about the Amazon or city pollution to sound more engaged in current Lusophone topics.

Life Support

'Respirar por aparelhos' is a great idiom to describe a failing business or relationship.

Final R

In Portuguese from Portugal, the final 'r' is often clearly heard. In Brazil, it can be very soft or even silent in casual talk.

Atmosphere

Use 'A cidade respira...' to describe the vibe of a place in your travel journals or essays.

Doctor's Visit

Listen for 'Respire fundo' if you ever visit a doctor in a Portuguese-speaking country; it's the first thing they'll say.

Relief

Practice saying 'Respirei aliviado' to express that a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

Wine

Impress your friends by saying 'Deixe o vinho respirar' before pouring a glass of Portuguese tinto.

Preposition 'Por'

Remember to use 'pelo/pela' (por + article) when saying what you are breathing through, like 'pelo nariz'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Respiration' in English. The word 'respirar' is almost identical, just add the Portuguese verb ending '-ar'.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of lungs filling with air every time you see the letters 'RES-PIR-AR'.

Word Web

ar vida pulmões yoga alívio descanso fôlego nariz

Challenge

Try to use 'respirar' in three different contexts today: physical, emotional relief, and describing a place.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'respirare', which is composed of the prefix 're-' (again/back) and 'spirare' (to breathe).

Original meaning: To breathe back, to take breath again, or to recover.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'respirar por aparelhos' in a medical setting, as it is a literal and sensitive medical reality, despite its common metaphorical use in business.

English speakers might say 'take a breather', while Portuguese speakers use 'ter tempo para respirar'.

O Pulmão do Mundo (Amazon Rainforest) Respirar (Song by Gabi Luthai) A Cidade que Respira (Common travel blog title)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the doctor

Respire fundo.
Dói quando respiro?
Tenho falta de ar.
Respire pelo nariz.

At the gym

Não prenda a respiração.
Respire durante o esforço.
Controle o ato de respirar.
Respire e relaxe.

In a stressful office

Preciso de ar.
Não me deixam respirar.
Vou ali fora respirar um pouco.
Respire fundo e conte até dez.

Nature walk

Que bom respirar este ar!
Sinto-me a respirar melhor aqui.
Respire a natureza.
Vamos respirar o ar puro.

Wine tasting

O vinho precisa de respirar.
Deixe o tinto respirar no decanter.
Quanto tempo deve respirar?
Abra a garrafa para respirar.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o ar da sua cidade é bom para respirar?"

"Quando você está estressado, você costuma respirar fundo para se acalmar?"

"Você já sentiu que não tinha tempo nem para respirar no trabalho?"

"Qual é o melhor lugar que você já visitou para respirar ar puro?"

"Você pratica exercícios de meditação para aprender a respirar melhor?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você respirou aliviado após uma situação difícil.

Como você se sente quando respira o ar puro da natureza em comparação com o ar da cidade?

Escreva sobre um dia em que você estava tão ocupado que não teve tempo para respirar.

O que significa para você a expressão 'respirar novos ares'?

Pense em uma cidade que você conhece. O que essa cidade parece 'respirar' (ex: história, modernidade, caos)?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a regular verb. In the Pretérito Perfeito: eu respirei, você respirou, nós respiramos, eles respiraram. In the Imperfeito: eu respirava, você respirava, nós respirávamos, eles respiravam.

It means 'to breathe a sigh of relief'. It is used when a stressful situation ends positively. Example: 'Respirei aliviado quando achei minhas chaves.'

Usually no, unless you are using a metaphor like 'respirar por aparelhos' to mean it's failing. For air intake in machines, use 'ventilar' or 'aspirar'.

The meaning is identical, but the pronunciation and some idiomatic preferences differ. Portugal uses 'estar a respirar' for the continuous, while Brazil uses 'estar respirando'.

Respirar is the verb (to breathe). Fôlego is a noun meaning 'breath' or 'stamina'. Example: 'Não tenho fôlego para correr.'

You say 'Respire fundo'. It is the most common way to instruct someone to take a deep breath.

Yes, you can 'respirar o perfume' (breathe in the scent), though 'sentir o cheiro' is more common for just smelling.

It means to give someone space or stop pestering them. 'Me deixa respirar!' is like 'Give me some space!'

Yes, extensively. 'Controle a sua respiração' and 'Respire calmamente' are standard instructions.

The medical term for the act is 'respiração', and the verb remains 'respirar' or more technically 'ventilar'.