咳をする
咳をする en 30 segundos
- 咳をする (seki o suru) means 'to cough'.
- It's a common verb phrase for describing the act of coughing.
- Used for illness, irritation, or environmental factors.
- Essential for everyday health-related conversations.
The Japanese phrase 咳をする (seki o suru) is a common and straightforward verb phrase that literally translates to 'to do a cough' or, more naturally in English, 'to cough'. It is used to describe the physical act of expelling air from the lungs with a sudden, noisy expulsion, typically to clear the throat or due to irritation. This phrase is fundamental for describing symptoms related to illness, allergies, or even just a tickle in the throat.
- Contexts of Use
- You will hear 咳をする used in a wide variety of situations. When someone is feeling unwell, a cough is often one of the first symptoms mentioned. For instance, a doctor might ask, "咳をしますか? (Seki o shimasu ka? - Do you cough?)" to diagnose a patient's condition. Parents might observe their child coughing and say, "子供が咳をしています。 (Kodomo ga seki o shite imasu. - My child is coughing.)" It's also used when discussing environmental factors that can cause coughing, such as dust or smoke. For example, "埃っぽい部屋で咳をした。 (Hokorippoi heya de seki o shita. - I coughed in the dusty room.)" In everyday conversation, people might mention their own or someone else's cough as a minor inconvenience. "昨夜から咳が止まらない。 (Sakuban kara seki ga tomaranai. - My cough won't stop since last night.)" This phrase is essential for expressing a very common physical reaction and is therefore frequently encountered in daily life and media.
- Grammatical Structure
- The structure of 咳をする is noun (咳 - seki) + particle (を - o) + verb (する - suru). This is a common pattern in Japanese where a noun is combined with the verb する (suru) to create a verb phrase. 咳 (seki) means 'cough', and する (suru) means 'to do'. Together, they form the verb 'to cough'. Like other verbs, 咳をする can be conjugated into various tenses and forms, such as 咳をした (seki o shita - coughed, past tense), 咳をしている (seki o shite iru - is coughing, present continuous), or 咳をします (seki o shimasu - coughs, polite present tense).
A common scenario is feeling a tickle in your throat and needing to 咳をする.
During flu season, you'll often hear people say they need to 咳をする frequently.
- Frequency and Naturalness
- 咳をする is an extremely common phrase. It's used in everyday conversation, in medical contexts, and in media. Its naturalness comes from the directness of its meaning. There are no complex nuances or hidden meanings; it simply describes the act of coughing. This makes it an invaluable phrase for learners to acquire early on as it addresses a very common human experience and bodily function.
When the air is dry, you might find yourself needing to 咳をする.
If you have a cold, you will likely 咳をする a lot.
Mastering 咳をする (seki o suru) involves understanding its conjugation and its placement within sentences. As a verb phrase, it can be modified to express different tenses, politeness levels, and nuances. The core structure remains 咳 + を + する, but the する part changes.
- Basic Conjugations
- Present Tense (Polite): 咳をします (seki o shimasu) - I cough / He/She coughs / They cough. This is the standard polite form used in most everyday interactions.
Present Tense (Plain): 咳をする (seki o suru) - I cough / He/She coughs / They cough. Used among friends, family, or in informal writing.
Past Tense (Polite): 咳をしました (seki o shimashita) - I coughed / He/She coughed / They coughed.
Past Tense (Plain): 咳をした (seki o shita) - I coughed / He/She coughed / They coughed.
Present Continuous (Polite): 咳をしています (seki o shite imasu) - I am coughing / He/She is coughing.
Present Continuous (Plain): 咳をしている (seki o shite iru) - I am coughing / He/She is coughing.
When describing a persistent symptom, you might say, 「昨夜からひどく咳をしています。」 (Sakuban kara hidoku seki o shite imasu. - I have been coughing badly since last night.)
- Sentence Placement
- In a simple sentence, 咳をする typically functions as the main verb. It can appear at the end of a statement, question, or command. When describing a condition, it often follows the subject or the reason for the cough.
Example 1: Simple Statement
Subject + (Reason/Location) + 咳をする.
「彼は風邪で咳をしている。」 (Kare wa kaze de seki o shite iru. - He is coughing because of a cold.)
Example 2: Describing an action
Subject + (Object/Circumstance) + 咳をする.
「 突然、彼は大きな声で咳をした。」 (Totsuzen, kare wa ookina koe de seki o shita. - Suddenly, he coughed loudly.)
Example 3: Asking a question
Subject + (Question Word/Circumstance) + 咳をするか?
「あなたはよく咳をしますか?」 (Anata wa yoku seki o shimasu ka? - Do you cough often?)
If you're feeling unwell, you might say, 「少し咳をします。」 (Sukoshi seki o shimasu. - I cough a little.)
After eating something spicy, you might experience a moment where you need to 咳をする.
- Using with Modifiers
- You can add adverbs or descriptive phrases to modify the act of coughing.
Example: Adverb
「彼はしつこく咳をした。」 (Kare wa shitsukoku seki o shita. - He coughed persistently.)
Example: Circumstance
「 冷たい空気を吸って、咳をした。」 (Tsumetai kuuki o sutte, seki o shita. - Breathing in the cold air, I coughed.)
These examples show how 咳をする can be integrated into more complex sentences, adding detail and context to the action of coughing.
You will encounter 咳をする (seki o suru) in a multitude of real-life scenarios and media. Its prevalence makes it a vital phrase for understanding daily conversations and health-related discussions in Japanese.
- Medical Settings
- This phrase is ubiquitous in hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. Doctors and nurses will ask patients about their symptoms using this phrase. You'll hear questions like: 「咳は出ますか? (Seki wa demasu ka? - Do you have a cough?)」 or 「いつから咳をしていますか? (Itsu kara seki o shite imasu ka? - Since when have you been coughing?)」 Patients themselves will use it to describe their ailments: 「昨晩から咳がひどいです。 (Sakuban kara seki ga hidoi desu. - My cough has been severe since last night.)」 or 「痰が絡んで咳をします。 (Tan ga karande seki o shimasu. - I cough with phlegm.)」
A doctor might ask, 「咳をするたびに痛みますか? (Seki o suru tabi ni itamimasu ka? - Does it hurt every time you cough?)
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual chat with friends or family, people often discuss minor health issues. 「風邪をひいて、ずっと咳をしているんだ。 (Kaze o hiite, zutto seki o shite iru n da. - I caught a cold and have been coughing non-stop.)」 or 「空気が乾燥していて、喉が痛くて咳が出る。 (Kuuki ga kansou shite ite, nodo ga itakute seki ga deru. - The air is dry, my throat hurts, and I'm coughing.)」 This phrase is used to describe the physical sensation and the act itself.
Someone might complain, 「昨日から喉がイガイガして、咳をすると痛いんだ。」 (Kinou kara nodo ga igai ga shite, seki o suru to itai n da. - My throat has been scratchy since yesterday, and it hurts when I cough.)
- Media and Entertainment
- In Japanese dramas, anime, and movies, characters who are sick will often be shown coughing. The dialogue will reflect this. A character might cough weakly and say, 「すみません、咳をしてしまって。」 (Sumimasen, seki o shite shimatte. - Excuse me, I coughed.) News reports about health trends or seasonal illnesses will also use this term. Public service announcements about hygiene might mention preventing the spread of germs through coughing.
In a dramatic scene, a character might suddenly 咳をする to interrupt a conversation.
- Environmental Factors
- Discussions about air quality, pollution, or strong smells often involve this phrase. 「タバコの煙で咳が出た。 (Tabako no kemuri de seki ga deta. - The cigarette smoke made me cough.)」 or 「工事現場の粉塵で咳が止まらない。 (Kouji genba no funjin de seki ga tomaranai. - I can't stop coughing due to the dust at the construction site.)」
While 咳をする (seki o suru) is a straightforward phrase, learners might make a few common errors that can affect naturalness or clarity.
- Confusing Nouns and Verbs
- Mistake: Using 咳 (seki) alone as a verb, or trying to directly translate 'to cough' without the する. For example, saying 「咳ます (sekimasu)」 which is not a word.
Correction: Remember that 咳 is a noun meaning 'cough'. To express the action of coughing, you must combine it with the verb する (suru). The correct form is 咳をする (seki o suru) and its conjugations like 咳をします (seki o shimasu) or 咳をした (seki o shita).
Incorrect: 私は咳ます。(Watashi wa sekimasu.)
Correct: 私は咳をします。(Watashi wa seki o shimasu.)
- Omitting the Particle を (o)
- Mistake: Sometimes learners might say 「咳する (seki suru)」 instead of 「咳をする (seki o suru)」. While this might be understood in very informal contexts, it's grammatically incomplete and less natural.
Correction: The particle を (o) is crucial in connecting the noun 咳 (seki) to the verb する (suru) to form the correct verb phrase. Always include を: 咳をする.
Less natural: 彼は咳する。(Kare wa seki suru.)
More natural: 彼は咳をする。(Kare wa seki o suru.)
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- Mistake: Applying conjugation rules for other verbs incorrectly to the する part of 咳をする. For instance, trying to form the past tense by simply adding -ta to 'seki' or using incorrect polite forms.
Correction: Remember that する is an irregular verb in Japanese. Its polite form is します (shimasu), its past polite form is しました (shimashita), and its plain past form is した (shita). Apply these standard conjugations to the する part: 咳をします (seki o shimasu), 咳をしました (seki o shimashita), 咳をした (seki o shita).
Incorrect past tense: 彼は咳た。(Kare wa sekita.)
Correct past tense: 彼は咳をした。(Kare wa seki o shita.)
- Overuse or Underuse
- Mistake: Sometimes learners might use 咳をする too frequently when a simpler description would suffice, or conversely, avoid it when it's the most natural way to express the action.
Correction: Use 咳をする when you want to specifically describe the physical act of coughing. If you are describing a general feeling of sickness, you might use other phrases like 「気分が悪い (kibun ga warui - feel sick)」. However, when the symptom itself is a cough, 咳をする is the direct and appropriate term.
While 咳をする (seki o suru) is the most common and direct way to say 'to cough', there are related terms and phrases that convey similar or slightly different meanings, often with nuances in formality or specific context.
- 咳が出る (seki ga deru)
- Meaning: To have a cough / A cough comes out.
Usage: This phrase focuses more on the symptom appearing or manifesting. It's very common and often interchangeable with 咳をする, especially when describing the onset or presence of a cough.
Example: 「急に咳が出た。」 (Kyuu ni seki ga deta. - I suddenly started coughing.)
Comparison: 咳をする emphasizes the *action* of coughing, while 咳が出る emphasizes the *occurrence* or *emergence* of the cough as a symptom.
「風邪で咳をする。」 (Kaze de seki o suru. - I cough due to a cold.) vs. 「風邪で咳が出る。」 (Kaze de seki ga deru. - I have a cough due to a cold.) Both are natural.
- むせる (museru)
- Meaning: To choke (on food or drink), to have a coughing fit (often due to inhaling something improperly or irritants).
Usage: This is more specific than 咳をする. It implies a sudden, often involuntary, and sometimes violent coughing due to an irritant or improper swallowing.
Example: 「水を飲んでむせた。」 (Mizu o nonde museta. - I choked while drinking water.)
Comparison: 咳をする is a general term for coughing. むせる describes a specific type of cough, often caused by foreign substances or irritation, and implies choking or gagging.
You might 咳をする because of a cold, but you would むせる if you inhaled dust.
- しゃっくり (shakkuri)
- Meaning: Hiccups.
Usage: This is completely different from coughing but is sometimes confused by learners because it involves involuntary bodily sounds.
Example: 「彼はしゃっくりが止まらない。」 (Kare wa shakkuri ga tomaranai. - His hiccups won't stop.)
Comparison: 咳をする is a cough; しゃっくり is a hiccup. They are distinct physiological phenomena.
A cough is 咳をする, while hiccups are しゃっくり.
- しゃべる (shaberu) / 話す (hanasu)
- Meaning: To talk / To speak.
Usage: These are verbs related to vocalization but are entirely different from coughing.
Example: 「友達とたくさん話した。」 (Tomodachi to takusan hanashita. - I talked a lot with my friend.)
Comparison: 咳をする is an involuntary expulsion of air; しゃべる/話す are voluntary acts of communication.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The kanji 咳 (seki) is composed of the radical 'mouth' (口) and 'heat' (曷, which also has phonetic elements). This combination visually suggests an action involving the mouth that might be related to expelling something with force or heat, fitting the concept of a cough. In ancient Chinese, the character might have had phonetic components that influenced its pronunciation and meaning.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'su' too strongly, making it sound like 'soo'. The 'u' is very light.
- Pronouncing 'ru' as a hard 'r' or a rolled 'r' instead of the flapped 'r'.
- Adding unnecessary stress to the particle 'o'.
Nivel de dificultad
The phrase 咳をする itself is very basic. However, understanding its nuances in complex sentences or medical contexts can increase difficulty. Its frequent use in everyday conversation and media makes it accessible for learners at A2/B1 levels.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
The Noun + を + する pattern
勉強をする (benkyou o suru - to study), 運転をする (unten o suru - to drive), 運動をする (undou o suru - to exercise). 咳をする fits this common pattern.
Verb Conjugation (ます-form, 辞書-form, た-form)
咳をします (polite present), 咳をする (plain present), 咳をした (plain past). Understanding how する conjugates is key.
Present Continuous Tense (~ている/~ています)
咳をしている (seki o shite iru - is coughing), 咳をしています (seki o shite imasu - is coughing, polite).
Potential Form (~できる/~できます)
咳をすることができる (seki o suru koto ga dekiru - to be able to cough). This is less common for involuntary actions but grammatically possible.
Causative Form (~させる)
咳をさせる (seki o saseru - to make someone cough). This is used when one person causes another to cough.
Ejemplos por nivel
咳をします。
I cough.
Simple present tense, polite form.
咳が出ます。
I have a cough.
Using 'deru' (to come out) for symptoms.
喉が痛いです。
My throat hurts.
Describing a related symptom.
風邪をひきました。
I caught a cold.
Stating the cause of the cough.
咳が止まりません。
My cough won't stop.
Describing the persistence of the cough.
水を飲みます。
I drink water.
Action often taken when throat is sore.
薬を飲みます。
I take medicine.
Action taken to treat symptoms.
大丈夫ですか?
Are you okay?
Asking about well-being.
昨日から咳をしています。
I have been coughing since yesterday.
Present continuous tense, indicating duration.
咳をすると喉が痛いです。
My throat hurts when I cough.
Conditional clause linking cough to pain.
タバコの煙で咳が出ました。
Cigarette smoke made me cough.
Cause and effect using 'de'.
この部屋は空気が乾燥しています。
The air in this room is dry.
Describing environmental factors that cause coughing.
咳をしないように注意してください。
Please be careful not to cough.
Negative request with 'nai you ni'.
彼はひどく咳をしていました。
He was coughing badly.
Past continuous tense, indicating severity.
医者に診てもらった方がいいですよ。
You should see a doctor.
Giving advice about seeking medical help.
咳止め薬が欲しいです。
I want cough medicine.
Expressing a desire for specific medicine.
風邪が治ったと思ったら、また咳をするようになりました。
I thought my cold was over, but I started coughing again.
Complex sentence structure with contrast.
埃っぽい場所に行くと、すぐに咳をしてしまう。
When I go to dusty places, I immediately start coughing.
Using 'to' for cause and effect in habitual actions.
彼はアレルギーで、春になるとひどく咳をする。
He has allergies and coughs badly every spring.
Describing recurring symptoms due to allergies.
咳をするときは、口元を隠すのがマナーです。
When you cough, it's polite to cover your mouth.
Expressing a social norm or etiquette.
子供が夜中に何度も咳をして、眠れませんでした。
My child coughed many times in the middle of the night, so I couldn't sleep.
Explaining a consequence of someone else's action.
この咳はただの風邪ではなく、何か別の原因があるのかもしれない。
This cough might not be just a cold; there might be some other cause.
Expressing uncertainty about the cause.
咳が長引く場合は、専門医に相談することをお勧めします。
If your cough lingers, we recommend consulting a specialist.
Giving formal advice.
彼は、咳を我慢しようとしたが、結局できずに大きな声で咳をした。
He tried to suppress his cough, but in the end, he couldn't and coughed loudly.
Describing an attempt and its failure.
長引く咳の原因を特定するために、精密検査を受けることにした。
I decided to undergo detailed examination to identify the cause of my persistent cough.
Using formal vocabulary and complex sentence structure.
空気清浄機を導入したおかげで、以前ほど咳をする頻度が減った。
Thanks to the introduction of an air purifier, the frequency of my coughing has decreased.
Expressing cause and effect with 'おかげで' and comparative degree.
彼は、人前で咳をするのを極度に嫌がるので、いつもハンカチで口を覆っている。
He extremely dislikes coughing in front of people, so he always covers his mouth with a handkerchief.
Describing strong aversion and habitual behavior.
気管支炎の症状として、激しい咳が続き、息苦しさを感じることもあった。
As a symptom of bronchitis, severe coughing continued, and I sometimes felt shortness of breath.
Medical terminology and listing multiple symptoms.
もし、頻繁に咳をするようであれば、喫煙習慣を見直すことを強く推奨します。
If you find yourself coughing frequently, we strongly recommend reconsidering your smoking habits.
Formal recommendation with a conditional clause.
彼は、咳をこらえきれずに、会議中に思わず声を出してしまった。
Unable to hold back his cough, he unintentionally made a sound during the meeting.
Describing an involuntary action and its consequence.
この地域では、PM2.5の影響で、特に冬季に咳を訴える人が増加する傾向にある。
In this region, due to the influence of PM2.5, there is a tendency for people complaining of coughs to increase, especially in winter.
Discussing environmental health issues and trends.
子供の咳が夜中に悪化し、心配のあまり救急外来を受診した。
My child's cough worsened in the middle of the night, and out of worry, I took them to the emergency room.
Expressing strong emotion and a significant action taken.
季節性アレルギーの悪化に伴い、夜間に頻繁に咳をするようになり、睡眠の質が著しく低下した。
With the worsening of seasonal allergies, I began to cough frequently at night, significantly reducing the quality of my sleep.
Advanced vocabulary, abstract concepts (sleep quality), and complex sentence structure.
長引く原因不明の咳に悩まされており、様々な検査を試みたが、未だに conclusive な診断には至っていない。
I have been suffering from a persistent, unexplained cough, and despite trying various tests, a conclusive diagnosis has not yet been reached.
Use of loanwords (conclusive), formal medical context, and expressing unresolved issues.
彼は、公衆衛生の観点から、咳をする際には飛沫感染を防ぐためのエチケットを遵守することの重要性を説いた。
From a public health perspective, he emphasized the importance of adhering to etiquette to prevent droplet infection when coughing.
Formal discourse, abstract concepts (public health, droplet infection), and sophisticated verb usage.
慢性閉塞性肺疾患(COPD)の患者は、しばしば日中および夜間に持続的な咳と痰の産生を呈する。
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often exhibit persistent cough and sputum production both day and night.
Technical medical terminology and formal description of symptoms.
都市部における大気汚染の深刻化は、呼吸器系への負荷を増大させ、結果として咳を訴える市民の数が後を絶たない。
The worsening air pollution in urban areas increases the burden on the respiratory system, resulting in a continuous stream of citizens complaining of coughs.
Formal, analytical language discussing societal and environmental issues.
彼は、自身の咳が単なる一時的な不調ではなく、何らかの慢性的な疾患の兆候である可能性を否定できなかった。
He could not dismiss the possibility that his cough was not merely a temporary ailment but a sign of some chronic illness.
Expressing complex internal thought processes and nuanced possibilities.
医療従事者は、患者が咳をする際に、その頻度、性質、および誘発要因について詳細な問診を行うことが不可欠である。
It is essential for healthcare professionals to conduct a detailed interview with patients about the frequency, nature, and triggers of their coughs.
Emphasis on professional procedure and detailed inquiry.
過剰な咳は、声帯への負担を増大させ、長期的には声質の変化や音声障害を引き起こすリスクを孕んでいる。
Excessive coughing increases the strain on the vocal cords and carries the risk of causing changes in voice quality or vocal disorders in the long term.
Discussing potential long-term consequences and medical risks.
その作曲家は、病床でさえ、インスピレーションが湧くと、かすれた声で咳をしながらも旋律を口ずさんだという。
It is said that even on his sickbed, when inspiration struck, the composer hummed melodies, coughing with a hoarse voice.
Literary description, evoking imagery and historical anecdote.
臨床現場では、単に咳をするという行為だけでなく、その背後にある病態生理学的メカニズムの理解が、的確な診断と治療戦略の策定に不可欠である。
In clinical practice, understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms behind the act of coughing, not just the cough itself, is indispensable for accurate diagnosis and the formulation of treatment strategies.
Highly specialized medical and scientific vocabulary, abstract reasoning.
咳反射の抑制は、一時的な症状緩和をもたらす可能性があるが、根本的な原因に対処しない限り、その効果は限定的であり、むしろ自然治癒のプロセスを阻害しかねない。
Suppression of the cough reflex may provide temporary symptomatic relief, but its effectiveness is limited unless the underlying cause is addressed, and it may even hinder the natural healing process.
Nuanced discussion of medical interventions and their limitations.
文学作品において、登場人物が咳をする描写は、しばしばその人物の内面的な苦悩、社会的な疎外、あるいは避けられぬ運命の暗示として機能する。
In literary works, the depiction of a character coughing often functions as an allusion to the character's inner turmoil, social alienation, or an impending fate.
Literary analysis, symbolic interpretation, and abstract concepts.
現代社会における過剰な情報、ストレス、そして不規則な生活様式は、人々の免疫系に負担をかけ、結果として、これまで稀であったような咳の症状を呈するケースが増加している。
The excessive information, stress, and irregular lifestyles in modern society place a burden on people's immune systems, resulting in an increase in cases exhibiting cough symptoms that were previously rare.
Socio-cultural analysis, cause-and-effect on a large scale.
彼の公演は、その卓越した歌唱力と表現力で聴衆を魅了したが、時折、感情の高ぶりからか、あるいは喉の不調からか、かすかな咳を挟む場面も見受けられた。
His performance captivated the audience with its outstanding vocal ability and expressiveness, but occasionally, perhaps due to emotional intensity or throat discomfort, there were moments where faint coughs punctuated the rendition.
Describing artistic performance with subtle imperfections and speculation.
気道過敏症の診断においては、メタコリン吸入試験などが用いられ、咳を誘発させることで、その反応性を評価する。
In the diagnosis of airway hyperresponsiveness, tests such as the methacholine inhalation challenge are used to evaluate reactivity by inducing cough.
Specific medical diagnostic procedures and terminology.
歴史的に、咳はしばしば病弱さや社会的な地位の低さの象徴とされてきたが、現代医療の進歩により、その多くは治療可能となっている。
Historically, cough has often been a symbol of frailty or low social status, but with advancements in modern medicine, many of its causes are now treatable.
Historical perspective, societal views, and contrast with modern medical progress.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— Do you cough? / Are you coughing?
Doctor: 「咳をしますか?」 Patient: 「はい、昨夜からしています。」 (Yes, I have been since last night.)
— My cough won't stop.
I have a terrible cold and my cough won't stop. -> 風邪がひどくて、咳が止まりません。
— I have a cough. / A cough is coming out.
When I breathe cold air, a cough comes out. -> 冷たい空気を吸うと、咳が出ます。
— It hurts when I cough.
My throat hurts when I cough. -> 咳をすると喉が痛いです。
— I am holding back my cough.
I am trying to hold back my cough during the quiet library. -> 静かな図書館で、咳をこらえています。
— I have phlegm. / Phlegm is involved.
I have a cough with phlegm. -> 痰が絡む咳をします。
— My cough is lingering. / My cough is prolonged.
My cough has been lingering for two weeks. -> 咳が二週間も長引いています。
— I want cough medicine.
I need some cough medicine because I can't stop coughing. -> 咳が止まらないので、咳止めが欲しいです。
— Try not to cough. / So as not to cough.
Please try not to cough during the performance. -> 上演中は咳をしないようにしてください。
Se confunde a menudo con
While both involve coughing, むせる specifically refers to choking or gagging, often due to inhaling something improperly or irritants. 咳をする is a general term for coughing.
This means 'hiccups', which is a completely different involuntary bodily sound from coughing. Learners might confuse it due to its involuntary nature.
This means 'clearing one's throat'. It's a deliberate action, often done to get attention or signal a transition, unlike the more reflexive nature of a cough.
Modismos y expresiones
— To be so busy that one doesn't even have time to cough; extremely busy.
彼女は仕事で忙しすぎて、咳をする間もなかった。
Idiomatic— To clear one's throat (often to get attention, to interrupt, or to signal something).
彼は会議の途中で咳払いをして、自分の意見を述べ始めた。
Common usage— Cough and phlegm; a common pairing when discussing respiratory symptoms.
医者は咳と痰の症状について詳しく尋ねた。
Medical/General— To break into a coughing fit; to cough uncontrollably.
冷たい空気を吸い込み、思わず咳込んでしまった。
Common usage— To not cough even once; to be perfectly quiet or still.
彼は緊張のあまり、咳一つしなかった。
Descriptive— A contagious disease, often referring to something like tuberculosis or severe influenza in older contexts.
昔は咳唾の病が蔓延し、多くの人々が命を落とした。
Archaic/Literary— To turn red in the face from coughing; to strain oneself by coughing.
彼は激しい咳で顔を赤くしていた。
Descriptive— To be alone even when coughing; to be lonely or isolated, implying no one cares or is there to help.
病気になっても、咳をしても一人という状況は辛い。
Figurative/Literary— With just a clearing of the throat; implies a subtle but effective way to get attention or convey a message.
彼は咳払い一つで、その場の空気を変えた。
Figurative— Cough medicine; medication to suppress a cough.
薬局で咳止めの薬を買った。
Common usageFácil de confundir
It's the noun form, and learners might try to use it directly as a verb.
咳 is the noun 'cough'. To express the action of coughing, it must be combined with the verb する (suru) to form the verb phrase 咳をする (seki o suru). Simply saying 'seki' won't convey the action of coughing.
Incorrect: 彼は咳だ。(Kare wa seki da. - He is a cough.) Correct: 彼は咳をしている。(Kare wa seki o shite iru. - He is coughing.)
This phrase also describes having a cough and is very similar in meaning to 咳をする.
咳をする emphasizes the *action* of coughing, the physical act of expelling air. 咳が出る emphasizes the *occurrence* or *emergence* of the cough as a symptom. While often interchangeable, 咳をする is more about the verb 'to do', while 咳が出る is more about the symptom 'coming out'.
I will cough now. -> 今から咳をします。(Ima kara seki o shimasu.) / I suddenly started coughing. -> 急に咳が出た。(Kyuu ni seki ga deta.)
Both involve coughing, but the cause and nature are different.
咳をする is a general term for coughing. むせる specifically means to choke or gag, usually due to inhaling something improperly (like food or water) or being irritated by dust or strong smells. It implies a more sudden and often involuntary fit.
Coughing from a cold: 風邪で咳をする。(Kaze de seki o suru.) Choking on water: 水を飲んでむせる。(Mizu o nonde museru.)
It involves a sound related to the throat and the noun 咳.
咳払い means 'to clear one's throat'. It is a deliberate action, often used to get someone's attention, interrupt, or prepare to speak. It is not a reflex caused by illness or irritation like 咳をする.
He cleared his throat before speaking. -> 彼は話す前に咳払いをした。(Kare wa hanasu mae ni seki-barai o shita.)
It's a verb related to coughing and sounds similar.
せき込む means to start coughing suddenly or to cough violently. It describes an abrupt and intense coughing fit. 咳をする is a more general term for the act of coughing, which can be mild or severe but doesn't necessarily imply suddenness or violence.
He coughed a little. -> 少し咳をした。(Sukoshi seki o shita.) He suddenly coughed violently. -> 彼は突然せき込んだ。(Kare wa totsuzen sekikonda.)
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + 咳をする (seki o suru).
私は咳をする。(Watashi wa seki o suru.) - I cough.
Subject + (Cause) + で + 咳をする (seki o suru).
風邪で咳をする。(Kaze de seki o suru.) - I cough due to a cold.
Subject + (Circumstance) + と + 咳をする (seki o suru).
冷たい空気を吸うと咳をする。(Tsumetai kuuki o suu to seki o suru.) - I cough when I breathe cold air.
Subject + 咳をする (seki o suru) + ことが + ある (aru).
時々咳をすることがある。(Tokidoki seki o suru koto ga aru.) - Sometimes I cough.
Subject + 咳をする (seki o suru) + ほど/くらい + Adjective.
咳をするほど喉が痛い。(Seki o suru hodo nodo ga itai.) - My throat hurts to the point where I cough.
Subject + (Manner) + に + 咳をする (seki o suru).
彼はしつこく咳をした。(Kare wa shitsukoku seki o shita.) - He coughed persistently.
Subject + (Reason/Condition) + のせいで + 咳をする (seki o suru).
大気汚染のせいで咳をする人が増えている。(Taiki osen no sei de seki o suru hito ga fuete iru.) - The number of people coughing due to air pollution is increasing.
Subject + 咳をする (seki o suru) + ように + なる (naru).
アレルギーで咳をするようになった。(Arerugii de seki o suru you ni natta.) - I've started coughing due to allergies.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very High
-
Using 咳 (seki) as a verb directly.
→
咳をする (seki o suru)
咳 is a noun meaning 'cough'. To express the action of coughing, you must combine it with the verb する (suru). Saying 'sekimasu' is incorrect.
-
Omitting the particle を (o).
→
咳をする (seki o suru)
The particle を is essential for connecting the noun 咳 to the verb する. While sometimes understood in very informal contexts, it's grammatically incomplete and less natural to say 'seki suru'.
-
Incorrectly conjugating する.
→
咳をします (seki o shimasu), 咳をした (seki o shita)
する is an irregular verb. Its polite form is します and its plain past is した. Learners might incorrectly try to conjugate 'seki' or apply wrong rules to 'suru'.
-
Confusing 咳をする with むせる (museru).
→
Use 咳をする for general coughing, むせる for choking/gagging.
咳をする is a general term for coughing. むせる specifically means to choke or gag, often from inhaling something improperly or from irritants. They are not interchangeable.
-
Using 咳をする when 咳払い (seki-barai) is more appropriate.
→
Use 咳をする for illness-related coughs, 咳払い for clearing the throat.
咳をする is a bodily reflex, often due to sickness. 咳払い is a deliberate action to clear one's throat, usually to get attention or prepare to speak. They have different intentions and contexts.
Consejos
Mastering the 'ru' sound
The Japanese 'ru' sound in 'suru' is a flap, similar to the 'dd' in the American English word 'ladder'. Practice making this sound by quickly tapping the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Avoid a hard 'r' or a rolled 'r'.
The Noun + を + する Pattern
Recognize that 咳をする is part of a very common Japanese grammatical pattern: Noun + を + する. Other examples include 勉強をする (to study) and 運転をする (to drive). Mastering this pattern will unlock many other verbs for you.
Politeness Levels Matter
Always use the polite form 咳をします (seki o shimasu) when speaking to someone you don't know well, elders, or in formal settings. Use the plain form 咳をする (seki o suru) with close friends and family.
Visual Association
Create a vivid image in your mind: imagine a person saying 'SEKI!' (like they're clearing their throat) and then 'DO IT!' (SURU) as they cough. The sillier the image, the better it sticks!
Sentence Building
Try to create your own sentences using 咳をする. Describe yourself coughing, a family member coughing, or even a character in a book coughing. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Cough Etiquette
Remember that in Japan, covering your mouth when coughing, especially in public, is considered polite and hygienic. This is known as 'seki echiketto' (cough etiquette).
Distinguish from 'Clearing Throat'
Don't confuse 咳をする (to cough) with 咳払い (seki-barai - to clear one's throat). One is a symptom, the other is a deliberate action to prepare for speaking.
When to Seek Help
While 咳をする is common, if your cough is severe, persistent (long-lasting), or accompanied by other serious symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, it's important to consult a doctor.
Essential Phrases
Memorize key phrases like 咳が止まりません (seki ga tomarimasen - my cough won't stop) and 咳をすると痛いです (seki o suru to itai desu - it hurts when I cough) as they are very useful in medical contexts.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a 'sick' person (SEKI) who needs to 'do' (SURU) something about their cough. Visualize someone who is sick and in need of doing something to relieve their cough.
Asociación visual
Picture a person doubled over, clutching their chest, with a large, red 'S' shape (for SEKI) emerging from their mouth as they forcefully expel air. The 'S' could look like a sound wave or a cloud of dust. Imagine the action of 'doing' (SURU) this with your hands.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe common scenarios where you might cough. For example, 'When I eat too fast, I cough.' or 'The dusty air makes me cough.' Use 咳をする in your practice sentences.
Origen de la palabra
The word 咳 (seki) originates from Chinese characters. The character 咳 itself depicts a person coughing. It is a phonetic and semantic loanword from Chinese. The verb する (suru) is a native Japanese verb meaning 'to do'. The combination 咳をする (seki o suru) follows a common Japanese pattern of forming verbs by combining a noun with する.
Significado original: The character 咳 (seki) directly represents the act and sound of coughing. The verb する (suru) is the fundamental Japanese verb for 'to do' or 'to make'.
Japonic (Japanese)Contexto cultural
While coughing is a natural bodily function, excessive or loud coughing in quiet or public spaces can be considered disruptive. It's important to be mindful of others and employ 'cough etiquette' (咳エチケット) by covering your mouth and nose. If you have a persistent cough, it's advisable to seek medical attention and take measures to avoid spreading potential illness.
In English-speaking cultures, while covering one's mouth when coughing is considered good manners, the emphasis might be slightly less on the constant, almost reflexive action of covering compared to some East Asian cultures. However, general awareness of germ spread and politeness dictates covering the mouth. The phrase 'excuse me' is often used immediately after coughing.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Discussing illness and symptoms.
- 咳をしています。(Seki o shite imasu.)
- 咳が止まりません。(Seki ga tomarimasen.)
- 咳が出ます。(Seki ga demasu.)
- 咳をすると痛いです。(Seki o suru to itai desu.)
Talking about environmental irritants.
- 埃で咳をする。(Hokori de seki o suru.)
- 煙で咳が出た。(Kemuri de seki ga deta.)
- 空気が乾燥して咳をする。(Kuuki ga kansou shite seki o suru.)
- タバコの煙でむせた。(Tabako no kemuri de museta.)
Seeking medical advice.
- 咳がひどいです。(Seki ga hidoi desu.)
- 咳止めが欲しいです。(Sekidome ga hoshii desu.)
- 医者に診てください。(Isha ni mite kudasai.)
- 咳が長引いています。(Seki ga nagabite imasu.)
Describing personal discomfort.
- 喉が痛くて咳をする。(Nodo ga itakute seki o suru.)
- 咳で眠れません。(Seki de nemuremasen.)
- 咳をこらえています。(Seki o koraete imasu.)
- 咳が止まらなくて困っています。(Seki ga tomaranakute komatte imasu.)
Observing others' symptoms.
- 彼は咳をしています。(Kare wa seki o shite imasu.)
- 子供が咳をしている。(Kodomo ga seki o shite iru.)
- 彼女は咳払いをした。(Kanojo wa seki-barai o shita.)
- あの人は咳がひどいですね。(Ano hito wa seki ga hidoi desu ne.)
Inicios de conversación
"最近、風邪が流行っているみたいだけど、大丈夫?"
"この時期、空気が乾燥して咳が出やすいよね。"
"昨晩から咳が止まらなくて、全然眠れなかったんだ。"
"何か咳に効く薬とか、知ってる?"
"会議中に咳をしないように、すごく我慢したよ。"
Temas para diario
Describe a time you had a bad cough. What were the symptoms, and what did you do about it?
Think about a situation where you coughed in a public place. How did you feel, and what measures did you take?
If you were a doctor, what questions would you ask a patient who complains of coughing?
Write a short story where coughing plays a significant role in the plot.
Imagine you are giving advice to someone who has a persistent cough. What would you tell them?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasBoth phrases are commonly used to talk about coughing. 咳をする (seki o suru) emphasizes the *action* of coughing, the physical act. 咳が出る (seki ga deru) emphasizes the *occurrence* or *emergence* of a cough as a symptom. For example, you might say 'I am coughing' using either 咳をしています (seki o shite imasu) or 咳が出ています (seki ga dete imasu). However, if you want to say 'I will cough now,' you would use 咳をします (seki o shimasu). If you want to say 'I suddenly started coughing,' 咳が出た (seki ga deta) is very natural.
Yes, 咳をする is a general term that can be used for most types of coughs, whether they are dry, productive (with phlegm), mild, or severe. However, for specific types of coughing, more precise terms might be used. For instance, 空咳 (karaseki) refers to a dry cough, and むせる (museru) refers to choking or gagging. But 咳をする is the overarching phrase.
Absolutely. You can use 咳をする with any subject. For example, '彼は咳をしています' (Kare wa seki o shite imasu - He is coughing), or '子供が咳をした' (Kodomo ga seki o shita - The child coughed). Just like in English, you can talk about your own cough or someone else's.
This is a common point of confusion. 咳をする is the act of coughing, usually a reflex due to illness or irritation. 咳払い (seki-barai) means to clear one's throat. It's a deliberate action, often performed to get attention, interrupt, or prepare to speak. Think of it as a 'throat-clearing cough' rather than a symptom of sickness.
Yes, in polite situations, you should use the polite form of the verb, which is 咳をします (seki o shimasu) for the present tense and 咳をしました (seki o shimashita) for the past tense. If you are describing an ongoing cough politely, you would use 咳をしています (seki o shite imasu). It's also considered good manners to cover your mouth when coughing, especially in public.
This phrase literally translates to 'the cough does not stop'. It means that the person's cough is persistent and they are unable to stop it. It indicates a significant or bothersome cough, often associated with a cold, flu, or other respiratory issues.
While primarily used literally, the concept of coughing can appear metaphorically in literature or specific expressions, but 咳をする itself is generally used for the literal act. For example, an idiom like '咳をする間もない' (seki o suru aida mo nai - not even having time to cough) implies extreme busyness.
The kanji for 咳 (seki) is 咳. The verb する (suru) is written in hiragana. So the full phrase is written as 咳をする.
Yes, the verb 咳をこらえる (seki o koraeru) means 'to suppress a cough' or 'to hold back a cough'. For example, '会議中に咳をこらえた' (Kaigi-chuu ni seki o koraeta - I held back my cough during the meeting).
You can say '空咳をしています' (Karaseki o shite imasu) or simply '空咳です' (Karaseki desu). 空咳 (karaseki) specifically means 'dry cough'.
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Summary
咳をする (seki o suru) is the standard Japanese phrase for 'to cough', used to describe the physical act of expelling air from the lungs, typically due to illness, irritation, or environmental factors. It's a fundamental verb phrase encountered frequently in daily life and medical contexts.
- 咳をする (seki o suru) means 'to cough'.
- It's a common verb phrase for describing the act of coughing.
- Used for illness, irritation, or environmental factors.
- Essential for everyday health-related conversations.
Mastering the 'ru' sound
The Japanese 'ru' sound in 'suru' is a flap, similar to the 'dd' in the American English word 'ladder'. Practice making this sound by quickly tapping the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Avoid a hard 'r' or a rolled 'r'.
The Noun + を + する Pattern
Recognize that 咳をする is part of a very common Japanese grammatical pattern: Noun + を + する. Other examples include 勉強をする (to study) and 運転をする (to drive). Mastering this pattern will unlock many other verbs for you.
Context is Key
While 咳をする is general, pay attention to context. If someone is choking, they might むせる (museru). If they are clearing their throat, they are doing 咳払い (seki-barai). Understanding these related terms will help you use 咳をする more precisely.
Politeness Levels Matter
Always use the polite form 咳をします (seki o shimasu) when speaking to someone you don't know well, elders, or in formal settings. Use the plain form 咳をする (seki o suru) with close friends and family.
Ejemplo
彼はひどく咳をしている。
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