A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "She's not breathing" in Italian
Essential phrase for medical emergencies: 'She's not breathing' in Italian.
Non respira.
non res-PEE-rahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when you encounter someone, specifically a female, who is unresponsive and not exhibiting signs of breathing. It's crucial for alerting emergency services or medical personnel immediately.
Alternatives
- Non sta respirando.Emphasizes the ongoing action, slightly more descriptive.
- Lei non respira.Adds the pronoun 'Lei' for clarity if the subject needs to be explicitly stated.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'respirare' with 'resistere'
'Respirare' means 'to breathe'; 'resistere' means 'to resist'.
Incorrect verb conjugation
Ensure you use 'respira' (third person singular) and not other forms unless the subject is different.
Frequently asked
How to say 'he's not breathing' in Italian?
To say 'he's not breathing', you would use 'Lui non respira.' The verb form remains the same, but you add the masculine pronoun 'Lui'.
What if I don't know if it's a man or woman?
If you're unsure of the gender or want a general statement, you can say 'Non respira.' This is understood to refer to the person in question, regardless of gender.
Is there a more urgent way to say this?
While 'Non respira' is direct and urgent, in a true emergency, shouting it clearly and loudly is more important than finding a different phrase. You can also add 'Aiuto!' (Help!).
