Spanish Conversation · Level 83
59 words
Spanish word
aliento
Pronunciation
IPA/aˈljento/
Meaning
- masculine nounbreath
Example
Inhala profundamente y suelta el aliento lentamente.
Inhale deeply and exhale slowly.
More examples
Tuve que parar para recuperar el aliento.
I had to stop to catch my breath.
Core concept
Air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs felt as life or energy.
Common phrases
quedarse sin aliento
be out of breath
recuperar el aliento
catch one's breath
tomar aliento
take a breath
Similar words
respiración: Continuous act of breathing: regular inhalation and exhalation by the body.
respiro: Short, shallow breath taken briefly between longer breaths or during rest.
soplo: Soft, light gust of air made by blowing gently from the mouth.
Definition in Spanish
El aire que se inspira y se espira por los pulmones; en sentido figurado, ánimo o energía.
Word origin
From Latin anhelitus 'a gasp', aliento retains the literal sense of breath and through the related verb alentar acquires a figurative sense of encouragement or spirit.
Usage tips
- Coger aliento has vulgar connotations in many Latin American varieties, so speakers commonly use tomar aliento to mean a short pause to breathe before speaking.
Other meanings
- breathingnoun
Related words
- alentarencourageverb
- alentadorencouragingadjective
- desalientodiscouragementnoun