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"Breathe in" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "aspirar", and "hold your breath" is a phrase which is often translated as "contén la respiración". Learn more about the difference between "breathe in" and "hold your breath" below.
breathe in(
brith
ihn
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to inhale)
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
2. (to inhale)
a. respirar
Tara stood on the sand and breathed in the clean sea air.Tara se paró en la arena y respiró el aire limpio del mar.
b. aspirar
Daniel almost passed out when he breathed in the fetid air in the underground chamber.Daniel casi se desmayó cuando aspiró el fétido aire de la cámara subterránea.
hold your breath(
hold
yor
brehth
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. contén la respiración (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Hold your breath. The smell is awful.Contén la respiración. El olor es horroroso.
b. aguanta la respiración (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Hold your breath and then dive in.Aguanta la respiración y después te zambulles.
c. contenga la respiración (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Hold your breath, Mr. Sykes. That's it. Thanks.Contenga la respiración, Sr. Sykes. Eso es. Gracias.
d. aguante la respiración (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Please hold your breath for a few seconds and then breathe.Por favor, aguante la respiración unos segundos y después respire.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. contener la respiración
How long can you hold your breath under water?¿Cuánto tiempo puedes contener la respiración bajo el agua?
b. aguantar la respiración
So you hid inside a closet and held your breath? - Yes, and I tried not to make any noise.¿Así que te escondiste en un armario y aguantaste la respiración? - Sí, y procuré no hacer ruido.
