吸う

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 吸う is read as すう and is a godan transitive verb meaning to inhale something or to smoke tobacco.
• Basic usage: Mark the object with を in both 空気を深く吸う and 煙草を吸う.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Inhaling and smoking
  • 吸う can mean taking air or smoke in and can also mean smoking; the object determines the natural English translation.
• Contrast with 吸い込む
  • 吸い込む more clearly emphasizes drawing something inward, while 吸う can name breathing or smoking in general.