respirare

Respirare is an Italian verb meaning "to breathe." It denotes the act of taking air into the lungs and expelling it, and it is used in both literal and figurative contexts. In everyday language it can describe physical breathing during rest or activity, as well as more metaphorical meanings such as feeling renewed or free. Common expressions include prendere un respiro (to take a breath) and respirare aria fresca (to breathe fresh air).

Etymology and sense: The word comes from the Latin respirare, formed from re- and spirare (to breathe). Historically the sense involved breathing again or drawing breath back into the body, but in modern Italian it has the general sense of breathing.

Grammar and usage: Respirare is a regular -are verb. In the present indicative the forms are io respiro, tu respiri, lui/lei respira, noi respiriamo, voi respirate, loro respirano. The gerund is respirando and the past participle is respirato. It can be used intransitively ("Io respiro") or transitively with a direct object, as in "respirare l'aria fredda" or "respirare vapori nocivi."

Related terms: The noun forms include respiro (breath) and respirazione (breathing, the act of breathing). The adjective respiratorio relates to respiration. In everyday language, inspirare and espirare specify inhalation and exhalation, while respirare covers the broader process of breathing.

See also: respiratory system and medical contexts often discuss respiration, breathing patterns, and related terminology in Italian.