Expirer vs. exhaler
Exploring the nuances between 'expirer' and 'exhaler', both of which refer to the act of breathing out or exhaling, sheds light on their subtle differences. While they share a common ground, their usage and context distinguish them and offer a richer understanding of French linguistic nuances.
Expirer
'Expirer' primarily means to let the breath out of the lungs, but it is often used in the context of the end of life or when something comes to an end.
Elle a expiré son dernier souffle paisiblement.
(She breathed her last breath peacefully.)
Le délai pour soumettre les documents va expirer demain.
(The deadline to submit the documents will expire tomorrow.)
Après avoir couru, j'ai dû m'arrêter pour expirer profondément.
(After running, I had to stop to breathe out deeply.)
Exhaler
'Exhaler' refers specifically to the act of breathing out but can also extend to emitting scents or vapors. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe the emission of gases or feelings.
Les fleurs exhalent un parfum agréable au coucher du soleil.
(The flowers give off a pleasant scent at sunset.)
Il exhale de la vapeur dans l'air froid de l'hiver.
(He breathes out steam into the cold winter air.)
Cette lettre exhale ses sentiments les plus profonds.
(This letter exudes his deepest feelings.)
Summary
While 'expirer' and 'exhaler' both convey the act of breathing out, 'expirer' has connotations related to endings and finality, including life itself, while 'exhaler' focuses more on emission, whether of breath, aroma or emotion.