As with any language, knowing how to express simple actions like coughing is essential to effective communication. In Spanish, there are various ways to convey this action, both formally and informally. In this guide, we will explore the different equivalents for “to cough” in Spanish and provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable. Whether you need to express yourself in a formal setting or among friends, this guide has got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “To Cough” in Spanish:
If you find yourself in a formal or professional setting and need to discuss coughing, consider using these phrases:
- Toser: This is the most common and neutral verb used for “to cough” in Spanish. It is widely understood and suitable for any formal situation.
- Golpe de tos: Literally meaning “a coughing fit,” this expression refers to a series of coughs one after another. It is often used to describe a severe or prolonged coughing episode.
Here are a few examples of how to use these formal phrases:
El niño tosió durante la reunión. (The child coughed during the meeting.)
La paciente sufrió un golpe de tos incontrolable. (The patient had an uncontrollable fit of coughing.)
Informal Ways to Say “To Cough” in Spanish:
In less formal or casual contexts, you can opt for more colloquial expressions to describe coughing. Here are a couple of informal alternatives:
- Carraspear: This verb specifically refers to the sound one makes when trying to clear their throat. It is commonly used in everyday conversations.
- Reventar la tos: Translating to “to burst out coughing,” this expression conveys a sudden and intense coughing episode. It is a more vivid way of describing coughing.
Let’s see these phrases in action:
Mi amigo carraspeó antes de comenzar su discurso. (My friend cleared his throat before starting his speech.)
El niño reventó la tos después de beber agua fría. (The child burst out coughing after drinking cold water.)
Tips for Using “To Cough” in Spanish:
Now that we have covered the formal and informal ways to say “to cough” in Spanish, here are some additional tips to enhance your usage:
1. Pay attention to gender and number:
Like many Spanish verbs, “toser,” “carraspear,” and “reventar la tos” change their forms based on gender and number. Make sure to match them accordingly when speaking or writing.
For example:
- El niño carraspeó (The boy cleared his throat) – singular, masculine
- La niña carraspeó (The girl cleared her throat) – singular, feminine
- Los niños tosieron (The boys coughed) – plural, masculine
- Las niñas tosieron (The girls coughed) – plural, feminine
2. Consider the context:
When choosing the appropriate phrase to express coughing in Spanish, always consider the context and familiarity with the person you are speaking to. Formal situations call for neutral terms like “toser,” while informal scenarios allow for more relaxed expressions.
3. Use caution with regional slang:
While Spanish is spoken across many countries, keep in mind that certain regional slang may exist. It is best to stick to the more widely understood terms like “toser” and “carraspear” unless you are familiar with specific local variations.
Conclusion
Now you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “to cough” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember to use “toser” or “golpe de tos” for formal scenarios, and “carraspear” or “reventar la tos” for informal contexts. Pay attention to gender and number, consider the context, and use regional slang cautiously. Practice these phrases, and you’ll be able to express coughing in Spanish with confidence. ¡Buena suerte!
