Feeling short of breath, choking, or having difficulty breathing; a stifling or suffocating physical sensation.
急に息苦しくなったら救急車を呼んでください。
If you suddenly have trouble breathing, call an ambulance.
マスクを長時間つけていると息苦しく感じる人もいる。
Some people feel short of breath when wearing a mask for a long time.
高所で運動すると息苦しくなることがある。
Exercising at high altitude can sometimes make you feel short of breath.
Oppressive or stifling — an atmosphere or situation that feels heavy and constraining (used figuratively).
会議の空気がピリピリしていて息苦しかった。
The atmosphere at the meeting was tense and oppressive.
古い家は換気が悪くて夏は特に息苦しい。
Old houses are poorly ventilated and feel especially stifling in summer.
上下関係が厳しく、職場が息苦しいと感じる社員が増えている。
More employees feel the workplace is oppressive due to strict hierarchical relationships.