vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Hálito" is a noun which is often translated as "breath", and "respiración" is a noun which is often translated as "breathing". Learn more about the difference between "hálito" and "respiración" below.
el hálito(
ah
-
lee
-
toh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (inhalation)
a. breath
José Martí luchó por la independencia de Cuba hasta su último hálito.Jose Marti fought for Cuban independence until his last breath.
El gélido hálito del hombre hizo pensar a todos que era un fantasma.The man's frozen breath made everyone think he was a ghost.
2. (literary) (gentle breeze)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. zephyr
El hálito de la mañana despejó la mente del escritor.The morning zephyr cleared the writer's mind.
la respiración(
rrehs
-
pee
-
rah
-
syohn
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (physiology)
a. breathing
La meditación y los ejercicios de respiración me ayudan a relajarme.Meditation and breathing exercises help me to relax.
b. respiration
El paciente presenta presión sanguínea normal y respiración regular.The patient has a normal blood pressure and a regular respiration.
a. breath
En este lugar tan cerrado me falta la respiración.In such a closed-off space like this, I feel short of breath.
3. (opening)
a. ventilation
Mi habitación tiene poca respiración y durante la noche es calurosa.My bedroom has poor ventilation and gets hot at night.
