Translation guide
In Japanese, the act of coughing is most commonly expressed with the noun 咳 (seki) or the verb 咳をする (seki o suru). There are also specific terms for types of coughs and related actions.
To refer to the act of coughing in general, or to say that someone is coughing.
The most common noun for 'cough' or 'coughing'. Often used with する to mean 'to cough'.
The standard verb phrase meaning 'to cough'. Used for the action of coughing.
彼は咳をした。
He coughed.
咳をしないでください。
Please don't cough.
Verb meaning 'to cough violently' or 'to have a coughing fit'. Used when coughing repeatedly and uncontrollably.
彼女は咳き込んで話せなかった。
She had a coughing fit and couldn't speak.
To describe specific kinds of coughs, such as dry cough or wet cough.
Literally 'dry cough'. Used for a non-productive, tickly cough.
乾いた咳が続いている。
I've had a dry cough for a while.
Literally 'wet cough'. Used for a productive cough with phlegm.
湿った咳が出る。
I have a wet cough.
A cough with phlegm stuck in the throat. More descriptive than 湿った咳.
痰が絡む咳がつらい。
This cough with phlegm is tough.
To talk about coughing in a medical or symptom context.
The most common way to say 'I have a cough' or 'coughing occurs'. Used when describing symptoms.
風邪で咳が出る。
I have a cough because of a cold.
Means 'the cough won't stop' or 'I can't stop coughing'. Common complaint.
夜になると咳が止まらない。
At night, I can't stop coughing.
To describe coughing caused by something going down the wrong pipe or by an irritant.
To describe the act of clearing one's throat, which may involve a small cough.
Means 'to clear one's throat'. Often a deliberate, light cough to get attention or relieve hoarseness.
彼は咳払いをして話し始めた。
He cleared his throat and began to speak.
咳 (cough) and 席 (seat) are homophones. Context usually makes it clear, but be careful in spoken Japanese.
咳をする focuses on the voluntary or involuntary action of coughing. 咳が出る is more about the symptom or the fact that a cough comes out. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 咳が出る is more common when describing illness.
Smoke that makes you cough.