Entry
ゼーゼー
zeezee
ゼーゼー describes a harsh, raspy sound of labored breathing, caused by either extreme physical exhaustion or a respiratory illness.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics the sound of air struggling through the throat or lungs. It is commonly used when someone is completely out of breath from strenuous activity (like running a marathon) or when suffering from an asthma attack or a heavy chest cold.
- Gasping from extreme physical exertion
- Wheezing due to respiratory conditions
Sense Map
Extreme Exhaustion
The sound of harsh, labored breathing after pushing one's body to the limit physically.
走ってゼーゼー言う。
Wheezing / Illness
The raspy, wheezing sound caused by restricted airways from colds, asthma, or allergies.
喘息でゼーゼー息をする。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゼーゼー（と）
Functions as an adverb describing the manner of breathing or speaking (e.g., 'said while gasping').
ゼーゼーする
A verb form expressing the state of one's chest or breath actively wheezing.
ゼーゼー言う
A very common verb phrase literally meaning 'to say zeezee', but practically meaning 'to wheeze' or 'to gasp aloud'.
ゼーゼー息をする
Means 'to breathe with a wheeze', explicitly attaching the sound to the act of breathing.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゼーゼー言う
to gasp, to wheeze
息がゼーゼーする
one's breath is wheezing
ゼーゼーと息を切らす
to be completely out of breath
喉がゼーゼー鳴る
one's throat is wheezing/rattling
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Exhaustion | neutral to negative | Indicates extreme physical depletion where breathing becomes loud and raspy. |
| Medical / Illness | negative | A standard way to report asthma symptoms, bronchitis, or chest congestion to a doctor in Japan. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ふーふー ふーふー / nearby | When blowing on something to cool it down, or puffing air out of rounded lips from effort. | ゼーゼー is a harsher sound coming from deep in the throat or lungs, while フーフー is the lighter sound of air blown from the lips. | 熱いスープをフーフーする。 |
ひーこら ひーこら / similar | When groaning, straining, or whining while doing heavy physical labor. | ひーこら focuses on the vocalized groans of strain, whereas ゼーゼー is strictly the sound of troubled breathing. | ひーこら言いながら荷物を運ぶ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ゼーゼー to describe a dog panting on a hot day.
Use ハアハア (haahaa) for a dog panting. ゼーゼー sounds like the dog has a severe respiratory illness.
Using it for mild shortness of breath.
ゼーゼー implies a very loud, noticeable, and harsh struggle. For just being slightly out of breath, ハアハア (haahaa) is more appropriate.
Examples
Examples
階段を上っただけで、ゼーゼー言ってしまった。
かいだんをのぼっただけで、ゼーゼーいってしまった。
I ended up gasping for breath just from climbing the stairs.
LiteralShows a lack of stamina leading to very heavy breathing.
風邪を引いて、息がゼーゼーする。
かぜをひいて、いきがゼーゼーする。
I caught a cold and my breathing is wheezing.
LiteralClinical usage to describe chest or nasal congestion symptoms.
マラソンを走り終えた選手たちは、ゼーゼーと息を切らしていた。
マラソンをはしりおえたせんしゅたちは、ゼーゼーといきをきらしていた。
The runners who finished the marathon were gasping for breath.
LiteralEmphasizes the severe exhaustion condition after intense sports activity.
喘息の発作で、喉がゼーゼー鳴っている。
ぜんそくのほっさで、のどがゼーゼーなっている。
My throat is wheezing due to an asthma attack.
LiteralThis phrase is extremely commonly used to describe asthma.
彼はゼーゼー言いながら、急いで部屋に入ってきた。
かれはゼーゼーいいながら、いそいでへやにはいってきた。
He rushed into the room while gasping for breath.
VisualPaints a picture of someone showing up suddenly after running.
Similar Words
ひーこら
hiikora
Focuses on the vocal groans or complaints during hard physical exertion.
フーフー
fuufuu
The sound of blowing to cool something hot, heavy panting, or struggling with a hard task. Denotes heavy blowing from the lips, either to cool something down or huffing from fatigue.
ビュービュー
byuubyuu
The loud, howling sound of a fierce wind, or the sound of heavy wheezing.
Questions
Can I use ゼーゼー for the sound of the wind?
No, ゼーゼー is strictly for breathing. For howling or whistling wind, use ビュービュー (byuubyuu) or ヒューヒュー (hyuuhyuu).
Is ゼーゼー used in formal writing?
It is a colloquial, mimetic word. While you wouldn't use it in an academic medical paper, doctors and patients use it freely during consultations.
What is the difference between ゼーゼー and ハアハア?
ハアハア is normal heavy panting (like after jogging or a dog on a hot day). ゼーゼー has a raspy, congested, or painful quality to the sound.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2067490
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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