gasping
word · lemma: gasp
/ˈɡæspɪŋ/
GAS-ping
/ɡˈɑːspɪŋ/
GAHS-ping
Definition
Breathing quickly and noisily, usually because of a lack of air, strong emotion, or physical effort.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe someone struggling to breathe after running, excitement, fear, or surprise. Common collocations: 'gasping for air,' 'gasping for breath.' Not usually used for normal tiredness—suggests a need for air.
Spanish: jadeando - respirando con dificultadPortuguese (BR): ofegante - arfandoPortuguese (PT): ofegante - arfandoChinese (Simplified): 喘气 - 喘息Chinese (Traditional): 喘氣 - 喘息Hindi: हांफना - सांस के लिए तरसनाArabic: يلهث - يلهث من التعبBengali: হাঁপাচ্ছে - হাফাচ্ছেRussian: задыхаясь - ловя ртом воздухJapanese: あえいでいる - 息を切らしているVietnamese: thở hổn hểnKorean: 헐떡이고 있는Turkish: nefes nefese kalmak - soluk soluğa kalmakUrdu: ہانپناIndonesian: terengah-engah
Example Sentences
She was gasping after running up the stairs.
basic
He stopped, gasping for breath.
basic
The fish was gasping out of water.
basic
She finished the race gasping, hands on her knees.
natural
I was gasping for air after that wild roller coaster ride.
natural
Everyone was gasping when the magician made the elephant disappear.
natural