hengitellä

Hengitellä is a Finnish verb that translates to "to breathe" or "to sigh" in English. It describes the act of inhaling and exhaling air, a fundamental biological process. In a more figurative sense, "hengitellä" can also convey a feeling of relief or contentment, as in sighing with satisfaction. Conversely, it can also be used to express a sense of weariness or melancholy, much like a sigh of resignation. The specific nuance of the word often depends on the context in which it is used. For example, a person might "hengitellä" deeply after strenuous exercise, indicating a return to a normal breathing rhythm and a sense of recovery. In another context, someone might "hengitellä" sadly when reflecting on a difficult situation. The verb is commonly encountered in everyday Finnish conversation and literature.