‘屏气’ literally means ‘to block breath’—‘屏’ (bǐng) means ‘to suppress or hold back’, and ‘气’ (qì) means ‘breath’ or ‘air’. Together, they form a verb meaning to consciously stop breathing for a short time, often out of intense focus, suspense, fear, or physical effort. It’s commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts: for example, during medical procedures, underwater swimming, or when waiting anxiously for news.

Unlike the more casual ‘憋气’ (biēqì), which emphasizes discomfort or forced breath-holding, ‘屏气’ carries a connotation of control, intention, and often quiet concentration. It appears frequently in descriptive writing, sports commentary, and health-related instructions—such as yoga or meditation guidance—and is neutral in register, appropriate in both spoken and written Mandarin.