Japanese · Emotions & Feelings
ほっとする
hotto suru
To feel relieved
Intermediatephrase
Definition
An onomatopoeic expression describing the physical sensation of relief, as if exhaling deeply. Used after a stressful situation resolves safely.
Example
試験に合格してほっとしました。
I felt relieved after passing the exam.
Etymology
The phrase ほっとする (hotto suru) blends the sound-based expression ほっと (hotto), representing a sigh of relief, with the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do.' This combination reflects the sudden feeling of ease after stress.
How & Where It’s Used
ほっとする is used informally in spoken Japanese to articulate feelings of relief. It can be found in both casual conversation and written forms, although it's less common in formal writing, generally understood across all Japanese regions.