The character for “息 iki/breath” is used in a variety of expressions and words, such as “to draw oneʼs last breath (pass away)” and “ 息 子 musuko/son,” meaning a man who is oneʼs own son. In Japan, there is a large holiday weekend called “Golden Week” from the end of April to the beginning of May. Many of you may be thinking of taking a breather during this consecutive holiday after a long absence. This month, we will introduce an expression using the word “息,” “hitoiki.” definition: 1. One breath. To rest for a moment (as short as a breath). To take a break. e.g. Iʼve been walking for three hours. Itʼs time to take a break. 2. To do things without rest. Once. e.g. Finish the paperwork in one breath. Take bitter medicine in one gulp. 3. A Little Effort e.g. One more breath and weʼre at the finish line! Formal Expression: A: Otsukare sama desu! We can finally take a break. B: Yes. Itʼs a busy day today. A: What will you do during Golden Week? B: I am thinking of sorting out unnecessary things. I did that at New Yearʼs, but my vacation ended just as I was about to finish. A: I see. I hope you can make it through this time in one breath. I am rooting for you. Casual Expression: A: Otsukare! We can finally take a break. B: Yeah. Busy day today. A: What are you doing during Golden Week? B: Iʼm thinking of sorting out things I donʼt need. I did that for New Yearʼs, too, but the vacation ended just when I was almost done. A: I see. I hope you can finish it this time in one breath. Good luck.