기침
gichim[kit͡ɕʰim]
The English word 'cough' is 기침 (gichim) in Korean.
기침 is used as a noun to refer to the sudden, often involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the glottis and out through the mouth. To describe the physical act of coughing, you can use the verb 기침하다 or the phrase 기침을 하다.
Meaning: sudden, often involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the glottis, and out through the mouth (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While 기침하다 is a direct verb meaning 'to cough', it is very common to use the noun 기침 combined with the verb 하다 (to do) as 기침을 하다. To express that you coughed in the past, you can use 기침했다 or 기침을 했다. When describing the sensation of an involuntary cough starting, Koreans often use the expression 기침이 나다, which literally means 'a cough comes out'.
How do you pronounce it?
gichim
When do people say it?
If you want to imitate the sound of coughing, you can use the onomatopoeic word 콜록콜록.
Did you know?
- The modern word is derived from the Middle Korean verb 깇-, a verb that has completely disappeared from the modern language.
Examples in context
- 기침을 많이 하셨네요. 건강을 챙기세요.You've been coughing a lot. Take care of your health.
- 기침을 많이 해서 목이 아파요.I have a sore throat because I've coughed a lot.
- 기침이 계속 나와요.gichimi gyesok nawayo.The cough keeps coming.
- 기침을 심하게 해요.gichimeul simhage haeyo.He/she is coughing severely.
- 갑자기 기침이 났어요.gapjagi gichimi nasseoyo.I suddenly had a cough.
Example conversation
Ji-eun notices Hyun-woo sounds unwell at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 기침을 많이 하네요.Hyunwoo ssi, gichimeul mani haneyo.Hyun-woo, you are coughing a lot.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 기침 때문에 목이 아파요.Ne, gichim ttaemune mogi apayo.Yes, my throat hurts because of the cough.
- 지은 Ji-eun감기인가 봐요. 조심하세요.Gamgiinga bwayo. Josimhaseyo.It looks like a cold. Please take care.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo걱정해 줘서 고마워요, 지은 씨.Geokjeonghae jwoseo gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you for your concern, Ji-eun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cough” translations and entries 기침, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기침, CC BY-SA 4.0.
