2 Japanese words read iki

iki (いき) is shared by 2 distinct words, each with its own kanji and meaning. Jump to: · 行き.

いき

Breath; breathing

N3noun·iki

How to remember it

Kanji fuses 自 (self) + 心 (heart): the breath belonging to one's own living body.

Example sentences

  • 深く息を吸い込んで落ち着いた。

    ふかくいきをすいこんでおちついた。

    I took a deep breath and calmed down.

  • 階段を上けて息が切れた。

    かいだんをあがっていきがきれた。

    I got out of breath climbing the stairs.

Usage

Common in set phrases: 息を吸う (breathe in), 息を止める (hold one's breath).

Related words

呼吸息子息を止める吐く

行き

いき

Going; the outward trip

N3noun·iki

How to remember it

The 連用形 stem of 行く (to go), frozen as a noun for the act or leg of going.

Example sentences

  • 行きは電車で、帰りはバスにした。

    いきはでんしゃで、かえりはバスにした。

    I took the train there and the bus back.

  • 話し合いは行き詰まってしまった。

    はなしあいはいきづまってしまった。

    The discussion reached a dead end.

Usage

Mostly seen inside compounds such as 行き帰り (round trip) or 行き着く (reach).

Related words

行く帰り行き着く行き帰り

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