Japanese word

ため息

Pronunciation

Romajitameiki

Meaning

  • nounsigh

Example

彼は疲れると、ため息をつきます。kare wa tsuka re ru to ta me iki o tsu ki ma su

He sighs when he gets tired.

Illustration for ため息 (sigh)

More examples

試験の結果を見て、思わずため息が出ました。shi ken no kek ka o mi te omo wa zu ta me iki ga de ma shi ta

I let out a sigh when I saw the test results.

Core concept

It centers on an extended breath that releases built-up fatigue, worry, or other inner tension.

Common phrases

  • ため息をつくta me iki o tsu ku

    let out a sigh

  • 深いため息fuka i ta me iki

    deep sigh

Similar words

嘆息tansoku: A formal term for a sigh that expresses sadness, disappointment, or deep concern.
吐息toiki: A gentle exhalation that can convey a person's feelings.

Definition in Japanese

心配や疲れなどのために、思わず長く吐く息。shin pai ya tsuka re na do no ta me ni omo wa zu naga ku ha ku iki

Word origin

The native compound ため息 (tameiki) is formed from ため (tame), the continuative stem of ためる (tameru, "to hold or accumulate"), and 息 (iki, "breath").

Usage tips

  • Because ため息 (tameiki) can follow fatigue, worry, or relief, its emotional tone depends on the surrounding scene.

Word lists with this word