せき
seki
The Japanese word for "coughs" is せき (seki).
せき is the most common and general term used to describe a cough. To say that you "have a cough", you use the phrase せきが出る. If you are describing the act of coughing persistently, use 咳き込む.
How do you pronounce it?
seki
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word せき is a homonym with several meanings. Depending on the kanji used, it can mean 'cough' 咳, 'seat' 席, or 'barrier' 堰.
- While English speakers often say 'excuse me' after coughing, Japanese people may say 失礼します shitsurei shimasu, which literally means 'I am being rude'.
- In traditional Japanese medicine and folklore, certain types of せき were historically believed to be caused by 'wind' entering the body.
Examples in context
- 恋とせきとは隠されぬ。Both love and coughs cannot be hidden.Tatoeba #12131501 by Johannes_S, translation #12142738 by DJ_Saidez
- 風邪をひいて、せきが出るようになった。I caught a cold, and now I have a cough.
- 彼はひどく咳き込んでいる。He is coughing persistently.
- ゼェゼェとせきをする音が聞こえる。I can hear the sound of coughing.
- せきが止まりません。seki ga tomarimasen.The cough won't stop.
- せきが出るので、薬を飲みます。seki ga deru node, kusuri o nomimasu.I'm coughing, so I'll take some medicine.
Example conversation
A sister is checking on her brother's health at home.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、大丈夫？せきが出ているよ。Hinata-kun, daijoubu? Seki ga dete iru yo.Hinata, are you okay? You are coughing.
- 陽太 Yota少しせきが出るけど、大丈夫だよ。Sukoshi seki ga deru kedo, daijoubu da yo.I have a bit of a cough, but I'm fine.
- 陽葵 Himari無理しないで、ゆっくり休んでね。Muri shinaide, yukkuri yasunde ne.Don't overdo it, please get some rest.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵。そうするよ。Arigatou, Himari. Sou suru yo.Thanks, Himari. I will do that.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
