Hold your breath Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbɹɛθ

HOHLD yor BRETH

UK

hˈəʊld/ /jˈɔː/ /bɹˈɛθ

HOHLD yaw BRETH

Definition

To stop breathing for a short time, often because you are underwater, scared, or excited. It can also mean to wait anxiously for something to happen.

Usage & Nuances

Used both literally (not breathing) and figuratively (waiting with suspense or excitement). Common in advice: "Don't hold your breath" means it's unlikely to happen soon. Not formal; suitable for spoken/written English.

• Spanish: contener la respiración - esperar con ansias (figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): prender a respiração - esperar ansiosamente (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): suster a respiração - esperar ansiosamente (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 屏住呼吸
• Chinese (Traditional): 屏住呼吸
• Hindi: अपनी साँस रोकना - बेसब्री से इंतजार करना (रूपक)
• Arabic: احبس أنفاسك - انتظر بفارغ الصبر (مجازياً)
• Bengali: নিঃশ্বাস বন্ধ রাখা
• Russian: задерживать дыхание
• Japanese: 息を止める
• Vietnamese: nín thở
• Korean: 숨을 참다
• Turkish: nefesini tutmak
• Urdu: سانس روكنا
• Indonesian: menahan napas

Example Sentences

Can you hold your breath for one minute?

basic

The children tried to hold their breath underwater.

basic

She told him to hold his breath before jumping into the pool.

basic

Everyone held their breath as the winner was announced.

natural

If you think he's going to apologize, don't hold your breath.

natural

She held her breath waiting for the test results.

natural