咳嗽

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Character Breakdown

Usage of 咳嗽

The word 咳嗽 (ké sou) primarily means "to cough" and is used both as a verb and a noun in Mandarin. It describes the act of coughing, often related to illness or irritation in the throat or respiratory system.

Common Contexts

咳嗽 is frequently used in medical or everyday contexts when discussing symptoms of colds, flu, or respiratory issues. It can describe a single cough or a persistent cough.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 咳嗽不止 (ké sou bù zhǐ): "coughing nonstop" – used to describe a continuous or severe cough.
  • 咳嗽 (ké sou shēng): "sound of coughing" – refers to the noise made when coughing.
  • 咳嗽 (ké sou yào): "cough medicine" – medicine used to relieve coughing.

Register and Tone

咳嗽 is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal settings. It is a straightforward medical term without strong emotional connotations.

Common Confusion

咳嗽 should not be confused with 喘气 (chuǎn qì), which means "to pant" or "to gasp for breath." 咳嗽 specifically refers to the act of coughing, often involuntary and related to clearing the throat or respiratory irritation.

Example Sentences

He has been coughing continuously because of a cold.

The doctor advised covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing.

When children cough, parents should pay extra attention to keeping them