A2 Collocation 중립 3분 분량

fresh air

Clean outdoor atmosphere

Use it literally for outdoor oxygen or metaphorically for any refreshing, positive change in your life.

15초 만에

  • Refers to clean outdoor air or a refreshing new change.
  • Used literally for nature and metaphorically for positive people.
  • Commonly used when needing a break or escaping stuffy rooms.

This phrase refers to the clean, cool air you find outside, especially after being stuck indoors for a long time. It is also used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that feels new, exciting, and positive.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Feeling tired at the office

I need to step outside for some fresh air; I'm losing focus.

I need to go out to get some clean air; I'm losing focus.

😊
2

Commenting on a new, talented coworker

Having Sarah on the team is a breath of fresh air.

Having Sarah on the team is a refreshing change.

💼
3

Opening a window in a stuffy room

Can we open a window? We need some fresh air in here.

Can we open a window? We need some clean air in here.

🤝
🌍

문화적 배경

The concept of 'fresh air' gained massive popularity during the Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution. As cities became smoky and crowded, escaping to the countryside for 'clean air' became a health necessity. Today, it remains a pillar of wellness culture in the UK and US, often linked to 'clearing one's head.'

💡

The 'Breath' Connection

If you want to sound very natural, use 'a breath of fresh air' when talking about a person who is talented and kind.

⚠️

Not for Scents

Avoid using 'fresh air' to mean 'perfume' or 'air freshener.' It specifically refers to the natural atmosphere outside.

15초 만에

  • Refers to clean outdoor air or a refreshing new change.
  • Used literally for nature and metaphorically for positive people.
  • Commonly used when needing a break or escaping stuffy rooms.

What It Means

Fresh air is that crisp, cool feeling when you step outside. It is the opposite of a stuffy, warm room. When you use it literally, you are talking about oxygen and nature. Metaphorically, it describes something that makes a situation better. If a new person joins a boring team, they are a breath of fresh air. It means they bring energy and new ideas. It is a very positive expression.

How To Use It

You can use it as a noun. People often say they need some fresh air. You can also get some fresh air. If you are feeling tired or stressed, this is your go-to phrase. It works for physical health and mental clarity. You might say, "I'm going for a walk to get some fresh air." It sounds natural and healthy. Don't worry about being too technical with it. Just think of it as "good air."

When To Use It

Use it when you have been in an office all day. Use it when a room feels too hot or smells old. It is perfect for small talk with neighbors. You can use it when talking about a vacation in the mountains. In a metaphorical sense, use it to praise a new movie or a creative idea. It shows you appreciate something different. It is a great way to suggest a break during a long meeting.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it to describe a bad smell. If the air is smoky or polluted, it is definitely not fresh air. Avoid using it in very scientific contexts. A scientist might say "oxygen levels," not fresh air. Also, do not use it to describe a person who is annoying. Even though they are "new," the phrase must be positive. If you use it sarcastically, people might get confused. Keep it for the good vibes only.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, there is a big focus on "the great outdoors." Many people believe fresh air can cure a headache or a bad mood. It is a common piece of advice from parents to children. "Go outside and get some fresh air!" is a classic phrase. It reflects a cultural value of nature and physical activity. It is seen as a simple, free way to improve your life. Even in big cities, people seek out parks just for this.

Common Variations

The most popular variation is a breath of fresh air. This is almost always metaphorical. You might say a new song is a breath of fresh air. Another common one is fresh as a daisy. This means you feel clean and energetic. Sometimes people just say they need to air out a room. This means opening the windows to let the fresh air in. All these variations focus on the idea of renewal and cleanliness.

사용 참고사항

The phrase is universally understood and safe for all contexts. Just remember that 'getting fresh air' implies physically moving to a different location, usually outdoors.

💡

The 'Breath' Connection

If you want to sound very natural, use 'a breath of fresh air' when talking about a person who is talented and kind.

⚠️

Not for Scents

Avoid using 'fresh air' to mean 'perfume' or 'air freshener.' It specifically refers to the natural atmosphere outside.

💬

The British Weather Talk

In the UK, people often use 'fresh' as a polite way to say it is actually quite cold outside!

예시

6
#1 Feeling tired at the office
😊

I need to step outside for some fresh air; I'm losing focus.

I need to go out to get some clean air; I'm losing focus.

A very common way to announce a short break.

#2 Commenting on a new, talented coworker
💼

Having Sarah on the team is a breath of fresh air.

Having Sarah on the team is a refreshing change.

Using the phrase metaphorically to praise someone's energy.

#3 Opening a window in a stuffy room
🤝

Can we open a window? We need some fresh air in here.

Can we open a window? We need some clean air in here.

A polite way to suggest the room feels uncomfortable.

#4 Texting a friend about a hiking trip
😊

Nothing beats the fresh air up in the mountains!

Nothing is better than the clean air in the mountains!

Expressing excitement about nature.

#5 A funny moment after someone's bad joke
😄

I'm going outside for fresh air to recover from that pun.

I'm going outside to recover from that bad joke.

Using the phrase to jokingly escape a cringey moment.

#6 A doctor giving simple advice
👔

A bit of fresh air and exercise will do you a world of good.

A little clean air and exercise will help you a lot.

Common health advice in English-speaking countries.

셀프 테스트

Choose the best word to complete the metaphorical use of the phrase.

The new design is a ___ of fresh air for our brand.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: breath

The idiom 'a breath of fresh air' is the standard way to describe a refreshing change.

Complete the sentence regarding a physical need.

It's so stuffy in this library; I'm going out to ___ some fresh air.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: get

In English, we 'get' or 'grab' fresh air.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of 'Fresh Air'

Informal

Used with friends when leaving a party.

I'm gonna go grab some fresh air.

Neutral

Standard use in daily life or work.

I think we all need some fresh air.

Formal

Used in health or professional settings.

The patient requires regular access to fresh air.

When to say 'Fresh Air'

Fresh Air
🏢

Stuffy Office

Let's open a window.

🌲

Nature Walk

The air is so crisp here!

💡

New Idea

That's a breath of fresh air.

😵

Feeling Faint

I need to step outside.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, but only as part of the phrase a breath of fresh air. It means the person is a positive and refreshing change.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.

The most common opposites are stale air or stuffy air, usually used for rooms that haven't been ventilated.

It's better to say I want to get some fresh air. We usually focus on the feeling of the air rather than the smell.

Literally, yes. Metaphorically, it can mean any new and positive influence in a situation.

No, it is uncountable. You don't say 'a fresh air,' you just say fresh air or some fresh air.

Not usually. Telling someone they are like fresh air is a compliment about their personality, not necessarily a romantic one.

In places like England, if someone says 'It's fresh out there!', they mean it is cold and windy.

Yes, especially when discussing new projects or creative shifts. 'This new strategy is a breath of fresh air' is common.

Clean air is more scientific or environmental. Fresh air is more about the personal experience of feeling refreshed.

관련 표현

A breath of fresh air

A person or thing that provides a refreshing change.

Air out

To let fresh air into a room to remove smells.

Fresh as a daisy

Feeling very energetic and clean.

Clear the air

To resolve a misunderstanding or tension between people.

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