A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I can't breathe" in French
Expressing difficulty breathing in French for emergencies. Essential for medical situations.
Je n'arrive pas à respirer !
zhuh nah-REEV pah zah res-PEE-rayneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this if you're experiencing sudden shortness of breath, choking, or a severe asthma attack. It's a direct way to signal a critical medical issue to a bystander or medical professional.
Alternatives
- J'étouffe !Use this if you feel like you are choking on something.
- J'ai du mal à respirer.This is a slightly less urgent way to say you're having trouble breathing.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'r'
The French 'r' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not rolled with the tongue.
Silent 'e' at the end
The final 'e' in 'respirer' is usually silent; don't pronounce it like an English 'eh'.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I can't breathe in French emergency?
Use 'Je n'arrive pas à respirer !' to clearly signal a breathing emergency. This is the most direct and common way to ask for help.
What's the difference between 'Je n'arrive pas à respirer' and 'J'étouffe'?
'Je n'arrive pas à respirer' means you generally can't breathe, perhaps due to illness. 'J'étouffe' specifically means you are choking on something.
Is 'Je n'arrive pas à respirer' formal or informal?
This phrase is neutral and can be used in any situation where you need urgent medical assistance. It's direct and clear for everyone.
