Atem

Atem is a German noun meaning breath or respiration. It is used in everyday language and formal medical terms to describe breathing, with common compound forms such as Atemweg (airway), Atemfrequenz (breathing rate), and Atemholen or atmen (to take a breath, to breathe). The word derives from the verb atmen, meaning to breathe.

In popular culture, Atem is the name of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. Known as Pharaoh Atem or simply the Pharaoh, he is the spirit that resides in the Millennium Puzzle and plays a central role in the series’ early arc. As the ruler of ancient Egypt, his memories and identity are gradually revealed, linking the modern protagonist Yugi Mutou to a long history of battles and friendship. The character is widely recognized within the franchise and has contributed to the broader cultural impact of Yu-Gi-Oh!.

Atem as a cultural term thus spans a practical linguistic meaning in German and a fictional identity within a popular anime and trading card game universe. The two uses are unrelated beyond sharing the same spelling in transliteration.