This is the 754th most frequent Afrikaans word.
asem
Breath.
In this sentence, 'asem' represents 'breath', referring to the air exhaled by a person, particularly visible in cold conditions.
Sy asem was sigbaar in die koue lug.
Her breath was visible in the cold air.
Here, 'asem' again means 'breath' but is part of the expression 'asemhaal', literally meaning to 'breathe'.
Hy het diep asem gehaal voor hy begin praat.
He took a deep breath before he started speaking.
In this sentence, 'asem' figuratively refers to 'breath' in the idiomatic expression 'asem wegslaan', used metaphorically to indicate astonishment or admiration.