Spanish Phrase
Respira hondo, por favor.
Meaning
A polite request asking someone to take a deep breath. The phrase combines a direct command with the courtesy marker ‘por favor’, making it both clear and respectful.
When to use
Use it when you want to calm someone down, during a medical check‑up, yoga or meditation session, or any situation where a deep breath can help relax or reset the speaker.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Respirahondoporfavor
Imperative (tú)
The verb ‘respirar’ drops the infinitive ending –ar and adds –a to form the informal tú command: respira.
Adverb ‘hondo’
‘Hondo’ works as an adverb meaning ‘deeply’; it modifies the verb and does not change form.
Polite phrase ‘por favor’
Adding ‘por favor’ after a command makes it courteous and is the standard way to soften requests in Spanish.
🗨In Conversation
Estoy muy nervioso antes del examen.
I'm really nervous before the exam.
Respira hondo, por favor.
Take a deep breath, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Respire hondo, por favor.
‘Respire’ is the formal usted command; use ‘Respira’ for informal tú unless you need formal address.
Respira el hondo, por favor.
Do not treat ‘hondo’ as an adjective here; it must stay as the adverb ‘deeply’.
Respira hondo, porfavor.
‘Por favor’ is two separate words; writing it as one is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Inhala profundamente, por favor.
Inhale deeply, please.
Toma una respiración profunda, por favor.
Take a deep breath, please.
Respira profundo, por favor.
Breathe deep, please.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking cultures, commands are softened with ‘por favor’ to avoid sounding rude. ‘Hondo’ is the usual adverb for ‘deeply’; while ‘profundo’ can also be used, it sounds slightly more formal. Remember that the informal tú command (respira) is appropriate with friends, family, or patients, whereas the formal usted command would be ‘Respire hondo, por favor.’