Gasp for air Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡæsp/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈɛɹ
GASP fer AIR
ɡˈɑːsp/ /fˈɔː/ /ˈeə
gahs FAW AIR
Definition
To breathe in quickly and deeply, usually because you are having trouble breathing, are surprised, scared, or exhausted.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is mostly literal but can also be used figuratively to describe being desperate for relief. Common after swimming, running, or in shock. Similar phrases: 'gasp for breath', but not 'breath for air'. Rarely used in formal writing.
Spanish: jadear por aire - tratar de respirarPortuguese (BR): ofegar por ar - tentar respirarPortuguese (PT): arfar por ar - tentar respirarChinese (Simplified): 喘气 - 急切地呼吸Chinese (Traditional): 喘氣 - 急切地呼吸Hindi: हवा के लिए हांफनाArabic: يلهث لالتقاط الأنفاس - يحاول التنفسBengali: হাওয়া নিতে হাঁপাতে থাকা - দমের জন্য হাঁপানোRussian: судорожно хватать воздух - задыхатьсяJapanese: 息を切らして空気を求める - 息苦しくて空気を吸おうとするVietnamese: háo hức thở không khí - thở hổn hển để lấy không khíKorean: 숨을 헐떡이다 - 숨을 들이마시려고 애쓰다Turkish: nefes nefese kalmak - havaya hasret kalmakUrdu: ہوا کے لئے ہانپناIndonesian: terengah-engah mencari udara - megap-megap menghirup udara
Example Sentences
He started to gasp for air after running up the stairs.
basic
The swimmer reached the surface and gasped for air.
basic
She was so scared she had to gasp for air.
basic
After laughing so hard, I had to stop and gasp for air.
natural
He came out of the smoky room, coughing and gasping for air.
natural
When the meeting finally ended, I felt like I could gasp for air again.
natural