How to Say "Sputum" in Japanese

痰

[tã̠ɴ]

The Japanese word for sputum is 痰.

痰 refers to matter coughed up and expectorated from the mouth. It is often seen in medical literature.

Meaning: matter coughed up and expectorated from the mouth (noun)

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The word is often used in the compound '痰を切る' (tan o kiru), which literally means 'to cut the sputum' but is a way to describe clearing the throat.
In traditional Japanese medicine influenced by China, 痰 is not just mucus but can refer to a systemic imbalance or 'phlegm' that blocks the flow of energy in the body.
In Japan, you will often see signs that say 痰を吐かないでください, which means 'please do not spit'. This reflects a strong social taboo against expectorating in public spaces.

患者のタンを調べる必要があります。
We need to examine the patient's sputum.
痰の検査結果をお知らせします。
I will inform you of the sputum test results.
痰に血が混じっています。
tan ni chi ga majitte imasu.
There is blood mixed in my sputum.
喉に痰が詰まっている感じがします。
nodo ni tan ga tsumatte iru kanji ga shimasu.
I feel like there is sputum stuck in my throat.
痰を切るための薬をください。
tan o kiru tame no kusuri o kudasai.
Please give me medicine to clear my sputum.

Kenta is explaining his symptoms to Himari at home.

健太 Kenta

喉が痛くて、痰もすごく多いんだ。
nodo ga itakute, tan mo sugoku ooi n da.
My throat hurts, and I have a lot of sputum too.
陽葵 Himari

大丈夫？熱はなさそうだけど。
daijoubu? netsu wa nasasou dakedo.
Are you okay? You don't seem to have a fever, though.
健太 Kenta

うん、でも痰を切る薬を飲んだほうがいいかな。
un, demo tan o kiru kusuri o nonda hou ga ii kana.
Yeah, but maybe I should take some medicine to clear the sputum.
陽葵 Himari

そうね、早めに病院へ行ったほうがいいよ。
sou ne, hayame ni byouin e itta hou ga ii yo.
You're right, you should go to the hospital soon.

Sources

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