In 15 Seconds
- The physical act of breathing air out of the lungs.
- Commonly used in medical, fitness, and relaxation contexts.
- Direct and neutral, focusing on the mechanics of breathing.
Meaning
This is the simple act of letting air out of your lungs. It is the second half of a breath, used for everything from relaxing to finishing a workout.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a doctor's checkup
请先深吸气，然后慢慢呼气。
Please take a deep breath in, then exhale slowly.
In a yoga class
向下弯腰的时候，请呼气。
When you bend down, please exhale.
Helping a stressed friend
别紧张，深呼气，放松一点。
Don't be nervous, take a deep exhale and relax a bit.
Cultural Background
The term is rooted in the concept of 'Qi' (life energy) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Proper exhalation is considered essential for 'detoxifying' the body's internal energy. You will often see groups in public parks practicing breathing exercises to maintain longevity.
The Power of '深'
Always add `深` (shēn - deep) before `呼气` to sound more like a pro coach or doctor.
Don't confuse with '叹气'
If you are sighing because you are sad or annoyed, use `叹气`. `呼气` is just for moving air.
In 15 Seconds
- The physical act of breathing air out of the lungs.
- Commonly used in medical, fitness, and relaxation contexts.
- Direct and neutral, focusing on the mechanics of breathing.
What It Means
呼气 is the physical act of exhaling. It is a basic biological term. You use it when talking about breathing. It is simple and direct. It refers to the air leaving your body.
How To Use It
Use it like a standard verb-object phrase. You can say 请呼气 (Please exhale). It often appears in instructions. Doctors use it during checkups. Yoga teachers love this word. You will hear it in meditation apps. It is very functional. You do not need fancy grammar for this. Just pair it with a command or a description.
When To Use It
Use it at the gym. Use it when you are stressed. Tell a friend to 深呼气 (exhale deeply) to calm down. It fits perfectly in medical settings. If you are at the doctor, listen for this. It is also great for sports. Coaches tell athletes when to breathe out. It is a neutral, clear term for everyone.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for 'sighing' in a social way. For a frustrated sigh, use 叹气. 呼气 is too clinical for drama. Do not use it for 'venting' anger. It is about physical air, not emotions. Avoid using it to mean 'dying.' That requires different, more poetic words. Keep it to the actual movement of air.
Cultural Background
In China, breathing is linked to 气 (Qi). This is your life force. Traditional medicine focuses heavily on how you breathe. 呼气 is half of the cycle of life. It is seen as releasing old energy. Many parks in China have seniors practicing Tai Chi. They focus intensely on their 呼气. It is not just air to them. It is about balance and health.
Common Variations
深呼气 means a deep exhale. 缓缓呼气 means to exhale slowly. You might hear 呼一口气 for taking a single breath out. In fitness, you hear 用力呼气 for exhaling with force. These variations just add a descriptive flavor. They make your Chinese sound more natural and specific.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Just remember it describes the physical movement of air, not the emotional state of sighing.
The Power of '深'
Always add `深` (shēn - deep) before `呼气` to sound more like a pro coach or doctor.
Don't confuse with '叹气'
If you are sighing because you are sad or annoyed, use `叹气`. `呼气` is just for moving air.
The 'Qi' Connection
In China, exhaling is often called 'releasing the turbid air' (吐故纳新). It's a way to refresh your soul!
Examples
6请先深吸气，然后慢慢呼气。
Please take a deep breath in, then exhale slowly.
Standard medical instruction for a lung exam.
向下弯腰的时候，请呼气。
When you bend down, please exhale.
Common instruction linking movement to breath.
别紧张，深呼气，放松一点。
Don't be nervous, take a deep exhale and relax a bit.
Using physical breath to help someone calm down.
教练一直让我用力呼气，好累啊！
The coach kept telling me to exhale hard, so tiring!
Casual complaint about fitness breathing techniques.
太辣了！我只能不停地呼气。
Too spicy! I can only keep huffing/exhaling.
Describing the physical reaction to heat.
感受你的呼气，带走所有的压力。
Feel your exhalation, taking away all the stress.
Focusing on the breath for mindfulness.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word for a doctor's instruction.
医生说：‘请深___，让我听听你的肺部。’
`呼气` (exhale) is the only one that fits a lung examination context.
Complete the yoga instruction.
吸气向上，___向下。
In yoga, `吸气` (inhale) and `呼气` (exhale) are almost always paired.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '呼气'
Telling a friend to breathe during a panic.
快呼气！
General fitness or health talk.
慢慢呼气。
Medical or scientific context.
患者呼气困难。
Where to use '呼气'
Hospital
Checking lungs
Gym
Lifting weights
Yoga Studio
Stretching
Therapy
Anxiety relief
Practice Bank
2 exercises医生说：‘请深___，让我听听你的肺部。’
`呼气` (exhale) is the only one that fits a lung examination context.
吸气向上，___向下。
In yoga, `吸气` (inhale) and `呼气` (exhale) are almost always paired.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 呼气 is the physical act. For a social or emotional sigh, use 叹气 (tànqì).
Yes, but usually only if you are talking about health, exercise, or trying to calm someone down.
It is neutral. It works in a hospital 医院 or at home with your family.
The opposite is 吸气 (xīqì). They are almost always used together in pairs.
No, for venting feelings, use 发泄 (fāxiè). 呼气 is strictly about air.
It is 深呼吸 (shēnhūxī), which combines both inhaling and exhaling.
Not really. It is a very literal biological term, so people don't use it as slang.
Yes! You can describe an animal's breathing using 呼气 just like a human's.
Use 喘气 (chuǎnqì) or 喘不过气 instead of 呼气.
Absolutely. In Kung Fu, 呼气 is vital for timing your strikes and power.
Related Phrases
吸气 (To inhale)
呼吸 (To breathe)
叹气 (To sigh)
喘气 (To pant/gasp)
憋气 (To hold one's breath)
