寝息

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Spelling: 寝息. Reading: ねいき. Core meaning: sleeping breath.
• Basic usage: Representative examples: 隣の部屋から子どもの静かな寝息が聞こえた / 犬は足元で小さな寝息を立てている.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Breathing versus snoring
  • 寝息 is the regular sound of a sleeping person or animal breathing. It differs in character from いびき, loud or rough snoring.