HOME > WordMaster® > SEE YOUR BREATH | 息が白く見える

For Life
2007.12.21(Review of 2003.01.17 edition)

Special Friday greetings to you! The WordMaster's stock of frozen delights is nearly gone, but he does have one last edition for you - and it just might take your breath away!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: ジャパニーズイングリッシュ


  • If you can see your breath, the air you breathe out looks like steam because it's so cold outside.

    Be Careful! In English, we do NOT say that your breath is “white”, like the Japanese 息が白い.
  • see your breath とは、屋外がとても寒いために、吐いた息が蒸気のように見える、という意味です。

    注意：日本語では「息が白い」と言いますが、英語では “Your breath is white.” とは言いません。



  1. It's so cold I can see my breath.
  2. a: How cold does it get where you come from?
    b: Cold enough to see your breath.
  3. Do you mind if we turn on the heat? I mean, you can see your breath in here!

英会話レッスンWe'll be back again on Wednesday the 26th. Until then, we wish you a peaceful winter solstice, a relaxing day off for the Emperor's birthday, and the merriest Christmas ever!