Under your breath Meaning in English
expression
ˈəndɝ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbɹɛθ
UN-der yor BRETH
ˈʌndɐ/ /jˈɔː/ /bɹˈɛθ
UN-duh yaw BRETH
Definition
If you say something under your breath, you speak very quietly so other people cannot easily hear you.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for comments not meant to be overheard, especially when expressing disagreement, annoyance, or private thoughts. Common collocations: 'mutter under your breath,' 'say under your breath.' Implies secrecy or reluctance.
Spanish: en voz baja - por lo bajoPortuguese (BR): baixinho - em voz baixaPortuguese (PT): baixinho - em voz baixaChinese (Simplified): 小声地 - 悄悄地Chinese (Traditional): 小聲地 - 悄悄地Hindi: धीरे से - मन ही मनArabic: بصوت خافت - همساًBengali: নিঃশব্দে - মৃদুস্বরেRussian: тихо - вполголосаJapanese: 小声で - ぼそっとVietnamese: nhỏ giọng - lẩm bẩmKorean: 작은 소리로 - 속삭이며Turkish: sessizce - fısıltıylaUrdu: دبے لفظوں میں - آہستہ سےIndonesian: pelan-pelan - lirih
Example Sentences
She whispered something under her breath.
basic
Please don't talk under your breath in class.
basic
He said thank you under his breath.
basic
Stop muttering under your breath—I can hear you!
natural
He often complains under his breath when the boss is around.
natural
She laughed and said something under her breath that I didn't catch.
natural