Definition

1. Adjective/Phrase:
   • Out of breath; breathless: The primary meaning describes the physical state of being unable to breathe easily or normally, typically due to strenuous physical exertion.
   • Exhausted; completely spent: An extended meaning conveys a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue, often as a result of intense effort or stress.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Phrase:
  • Leo năm tầng cầu thang, tôi đứt hơi. (Climbing five flights of stairs left me out of breath.)
  • Sau khi chạy marathon, vận động viên đứt hơi và cần nghỉ ngơi. (After the marathon, the athlete was completely spent and needed to rest.)
  • Làm việc liên tục 12 tiếng khiến anh ấy đứt hơi. (Working for 12 hours straight left him exhausted.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used for dramatic emphasis to describe being pushed to one's absolute limit. It can apply to both physical activities (like running, climbing) and demanding mental or logistical tasks (like a hectic work schedule).

Variants and Related Words

• Hụt hơi (adj/phrase): to be short of breath; to gasp for air. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with , though it can sometimes imply a momentary struggle for breath rather than complete exhaustion.
  • Cô ấy hụt hơi vì quá ngạc nhiên. (She was short of breath from surprise.)

Synonyms

• Out of breath: lacking breath, gasping.
• Breathless: panting, unable to breathe freely.
• Exhausted: worn out, fatigued, spent.

Related Idioms

• Làm đứt hơi: to work (someone) to the point of exhaustion; to run (someone) ragged.
  • Công việc mới làm đứt hơi anh ta. (The new job is running him ragged.)

1. Out of breath, deal tired
   • Chạy xa đứt cả hơi
     To be completely out of breath after a long run