숨 vs 호흡
Korean word comparison
Listen to 숨
Listen to 호흡
| 숨 | 호흡 |
|---|---|
SOOM noun | ho-heup noun |
| air taken in and out of the lungs; breath | breath; breathing |
How they differ
호흡 is a more formal and medical word than 숨. It often refers to the act or function of breathing, not just a single breath, so it sounds more technical or abstract.
When to use each
When to use 숨: Use 숨 for everyday speech when you mean a breath or breathing in a simple, direct way.
When to use 호흡: Use 호흡 in medical, scientific, or formal contexts, especially when talking about breathing as a bodily process.
Side-by-side examples
- 숨을 깊게 쉬어 보세요.
(Take a deep breath.) - 호흡이 가빠져서 잠시 쉬었습니다.
(My breathing became short, so I rested for a moment.)
Register & nuance: 숨 is plain and everyday, while 호흡 is more formal and often used in medical or technical language.