In 15 Seconds
- The act of exhaling deeply due to sadness or frustration.
- Commonly used as '叹了一口气' in narrative descriptions.
- Avoid using it for relief; it's mostly for negative emotions.
Meaning
It's the sound of letting out a long breath when you're tired, frustrated, or just feeling a bit hopeless about something.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a friend struggle with a game
他看着电脑，无奈地叹气。
He looked at the computer and sighed helplessly.
A boss during a stressful meeting
经理听了报告，深深地叹了一口气。
The manager heard the report and let out a deep sigh.
Texting a friend about a canceled trip
又要加班，只能叹气了。
Have to work overtime again, can only sigh.
Cultural Background
In traditional Chinese folk beliefs, frequent sighing is thought to blow away one's 'Qi' or life force and wealth. Despite this, it is a staple in modern 'Sang' (mournful/subdued) culture among youth to express burnout.
The 'One Breath' Rule
When you want to say 'let out a sigh', always use the measure word '口' (mouth/breath). Say `叹了一口气` to sound like a native speaker.
Don't confuse with Relief
English speakers use 'sigh' for relief too. In Chinese, `叹气` is strictly for the 'bad' sigh. Use `松了一口气` for the 'good' sigh.
In 15 Seconds
- The act of exhaling deeply due to sadness or frustration.
- Commonly used as '叹了一口气' in narrative descriptions.
- Avoid using it for relief; it's mostly for negative emotions.
What It Means
叹气 is the physical act of sighing. It captures that moment when you release a heavy breath. It usually happens when you are disappointed or stressed. It is a very visual and audible word. When you say it, people can almost hear the 'huff' sound. It is not just about breathing. It is about the emotion behind the breath.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. You can say someone is 叹气. You can also say 叹了一口气 to mean 'let out a sigh'. This version is very common in stories. It makes the action feel more complete. You can add adverbs to show how they sighed. For example, 偷偷地叹气 means sighing secretly. It is a simple, versatile action word for your daily life.
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone looking sad. Use it when your friend tells you about their bad day. It is great for describing a mood without many words. In a meeting, if the boss sighs, everyone gets nervous. If you are texting, you can type 叹气 to show you are frustrated. It works when you are tired after a long work day. It also fits when you see a sad movie scene.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for happy moments. It is never a 'sigh of relief' in the same way. For relief, we usually use 松了一口气. 叹气 is almost always negative or heavy. Do not use it if you are just out of breath. If you just finished running, you are 喘气, not 叹气. Also, avoid overusing it in formal emails. It can sound a bit too dramatic or complaining.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, constant sighing is sometimes seen as bad luck. Old folks might say you are 'sighing away your fortune'. It is thought to drain your positive energy. However, in modern life, it is a very relatable expression. It is the universal language of the '996' work culture. Everyone understands the weight of a heavy sigh. It shows you are human and feeling the pressure.
Common Variations
You will often hear 唉声叹气. This means someone is sighing and groaning constantly. It is for those really bad days. Another one is 长吁短叹, which is more poetic. It describes long and short sighs together. If you want to be cute, you can just say 唉. But 叹气 is the standard way to describe the action. It is the foundation for showing frustration.
Usage Notes
Mainly used as a verb or within the structure `叹了一口气`. It is neutral in formality but carries a negative emotional weight.
The 'One Breath' Rule
When you want to say 'let out a sigh', always use the measure word '口' (mouth/breath). Say `叹了一口气` to sound like a native speaker.
Don't confuse with Relief
English speakers use 'sigh' for relief too. In Chinese, `叹气` is strictly for the 'bad' sigh. Use `松了一口气` for the 'good' sigh.
The Fortune Killer
Older Chinese people might tell you to stop sighing because it 'blows away your luck' (`叹走运气`). It's a fun superstition to keep in mind!
Examples
6他看着电脑，无奈地叹气。
He looked at the computer and sighed helplessly.
Using '无奈地' (helplessly) is a perfect pairing for this phrase.
经理听了报告，深深地叹了一口气。
The manager heard the report and let out a deep sigh.
In a professional setting, this signals serious dissatisfaction.
又要加班，只能叹气了。
Have to work overtime again, can only sigh.
Used here to express 'it is what it is' frustration.
妈妈一边打扫房间，一边叹气。
Mom was sighing while cleaning the room.
Shows the action happening simultaneously with another task.
听完你的笑话，我只想叹气。
After hearing your joke, I just want to sigh.
A playful way to tell a friend their joke was terrible.
他独自坐在窗前叹气。
He sat alone by the window sighing.
Sets a lonely, melancholic atmosphere.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to describe someone feeling frustrated.
作业太多了，小明忍不住___。
`叹气` fits perfectly here to show the physical reaction to having too much homework.
Complete the common structure for 'letting out a sigh'.
他长长地叹了___。
`叹了一口气` is the standard idiomatic way to say 'let out a sigh' in Chinese.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '叹气'
Texting friends about bad luck.
唉，叹气。
Describing someone's reaction.
他一直在叹气。
Literary or professional observation.
众人皆摇头叹气。
When to use '叹气'
Bad News
Hearing about a failed exam.
Exhaustion
Coming home after a 12-hour shift.
Disappointment
Your favorite team loses the game.
Helplessness
Stuck in a massive traffic jam.
Practice Bank
2 exercises作业太多了，小明忍不住___。
`叹气` fits perfectly here to show the physical reaction to having too much homework.
他长长地叹了___。
`叹了一口气` is the standard idiomatic way to say 'let out a sigh' in Chinese.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsNot always sad, but usually negative. It can mean frustration, boredom, or just being tired, like saying 他累得直叹气.
It's better to avoid it. It sounds a bit too personal and emotional. Use more objective words to describe problems instead.
叹气 is the verb for the action, while 唉 (āi) is the actual sound people make when they sigh.
You can say 深深地叹了一口气. Adding 深深地 (deeply) makes it sound much more dramatic.
Yes! People often type (叹气) or just the word to show they are frustrated with something you both are talking about.
No, that's a common mistake. For relief, use 松了一口气 (song le yi kou qi), which literally means 'loosened a breath'.
It means 'Stop sighing.' People say this to cheer someone up or because they find the constant sighing annoying.
Yes, 唉声叹气 (āi shēng tàn qì) is very common. It describes someone who is constantly moaning and sighing.
Usually no. It's almost always used for humans. For the wind, you'd use different descriptive words.
It can be. If you sigh loudly while someone is talking to you, it shows you are impatient or bored, just like in Western culture.
叹气 is the physical act. 感慨 (gǎnkǎi) is a more formal word for 'sighing with emotion' or reflecting deeply on life.
Related Phrases
松了一口气
To breathe a sigh of relief
唉声叹气
To heave deep sighs / To moan and groan
无奈
Helpless / To have no choice
发愁
To worry / To be anxious
