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"Inspira" is a form of "inspirar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to inspire". "Respira" is a form of "respirar", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to breathe". Learn more about the difference between "inspira" and "respira" below.
inspirar(
eens
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pee
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rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to inspire
La lucha de mi hermano contra su discapacidad me inspiró a recaudar fondos para los discapacitados.My brother's battle against his disability inspired me to raise money for disabled people.
2. (biology)
a. to inhale
El viejo abrió la ventana e inspiró el aire marino.The old man opened the window and inhaled the sea air.
b. to breathe in
Eufemia salió a la calle e inspiró el aire nocturno.Eufemia went out into the street and breathed in the night air.
c. to breathe
Inspiramos pura contaminación en esta ciudad.We breathe nothing but polluted air in this city.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Jaime inspiró hondo y se tiró al agua.Jaime took a deep breath and dived into the water.
Inspira un poco de aire fresco para relajarte.Take a breath of fresh air; it'll help you relax.
3. (to provoke)
a. to inspire (feeling or confidence)
Hay algo en Diana que inspira lealtad.There is something about Diana that inspires loyalty.
c. to fill with (feeling or confidence)
El abogado no me inspiraba confianza.The attorney didn't fill me with confidence.
d. to inspire with (confidence)
La expresión de la enfermera no me inspiraba confianza.The nurse's expression didn't inspire me with confidence.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (biology)
a. to breathe in
La respiración consiste en inspirar y expirar.Respiration consists of breathing in and breathing out.
b. to inhale
Es importante inspirar por la nariz, no por la boca.It's important to inhale through your nose rather than through your mouth.
inspirarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be inspired
Su novela se inspiró en la historia de la tribu Qom.His novel was inspired by the history of the Qom tribe.
El novelista se inspiró en un incidente que le ocurrió a su abuelo.The novelist was inspired by an incident that happened to his grandfather.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
El compositor se inspiró en una noticia que leyó en un periódico.The composer found inspiration in a story he read in a newspaper.
El libro se inspira en la evacuación de muchísimos niños vascos durante la guerra civil española.The inspiration for the book was the evacuation of a great many Basque children during the Spanish Civil War.
respirar(
rrehs
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pee
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rahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (physiology)
a. to breathe
Ella duerme con una máscara para poder respirar.She sleeps with a mask to help her breathe.
2. (to relax)
a. to breathe again
No podré respirar hasta que sepa que está sana y salva.I won't be able to breathe again until I know she's safe and sound.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to show)
a. to exude
Respiraba tanta arrogancia tras ganar el Grammy.He exuded so much arrogance after winning his Grammy.
b. to radiate
La pareja respiró felicidad en el día de su boda.The couple radiated happiness on their wedding day.
