息をのむ

to gasp; to catch one’s breath in amazement or shock

→ 息

phrase Rare #30,083

to gasp; to catch one’s breath in amazement or shock An idiomatic expression used when someone is startled, amazed, or overwhelmed and involuntarily holds their breath. It can also describe something breathtaking. The form 息をのむ is the dictionary form; in ordinary sentences it is often conjugated, such as 息をのんだ.

JA: その美しい景色を見て、思わず息をのむ。

EN: Seeing the beautiful view, I involuntarily gasp.

（かぐや姫が息をのむ）

(Princess Kaguya catches her breath)

— かぐや姫の物語 (2013)

（驚き息をのむ）

(gasps in surprise)

— かぐや姫の物語 (2013)

（息をのむ声）

(Gasp)

— かぐや姫の物語 (2013)

（息をのむ）