Quick answer
息 is the kanji for "Breath". The most common reading is いき (iki). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Breath
Also : Son · Respiration · Interest
Learn 息 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 息 represents 'BREATH'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of breath.
On-reading: そく — remember this sound by associating it with breath. Kun-reading: いき.
Example Sentences
息を深く吸って気持ちを落ち着けました。
いきをふかくすってきもちをおちつけました。
I took a deep breath and calmed myself.
息子が今年高校に入りました。
むすこがことしこうこうにはいりました。
My son entered high school this year.
Vocabulary using 息
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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