se racler la gorge
The English phrase "clear your throat" is translated into French as se racler la gorge.
This phrase is used to describe making a short, harsh sound in the throat, typically to remove phlegm or to catch someone's attention.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase is a reflexive verb construction. You must use a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous) that matches the subject of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The word gorge has a surprising historical connection to the sea. It stems from the Latin word gurges, which originally referred to an 'eddy', a 'whirlpool' or a 'gulf'.
- In French culture, clearing one's throat (se racler la gorge) can be a subtle social signal to express disapproval or impatience without speaking.
Examples in context
- Vous pouvez vous éclaircir la gorge, s'il vous plaît ?Could you clear your throat, please?
- Éclaircis-toi la gorge avant de continuer.Clear your throat before continuing.
- Il s'est raclé la gorge avant de commencer son discours.He cleared his throat before starting his speech.
- Il a dû se racler la gorge avant de parler.He had to clear his throat before speaking.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorge, la, racler, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
