Translation and Meaning of: 咳 - seki

The Japanese word 咳[せき] is a common term that many Japanese learners encounter early in their studies. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it in daily life, or even its origin, this article will clarify these questions. Additionally, we will explore how this word is perceived in Japanese culture, including trivia and tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding 咳[せき] can be useful in both everyday conversations and more formal situations.

Meaning and usage of 咳[せき]

The term 咳[せき] means "cough" in English and is used to describe both the act of coughing and the sound produced by it. This word frequently appears in medical contexts, but also in daily life, such as when someone has a cold or has throat irritation. As it is a noun, it can be combined with other to form more specific expressions, such as 咳止め[せきどめ] (cough medicine).

In Japan, coughing in public without covering your mouth is considered impolite, especially in enclosed spaces. Therefore, it is common to hear 咳[せき] in notices about etiquette in public transport or work environments. If you are learning Japanese, it is worth paying attention to this kind of cultural detail, as it directly influences how the word is used and perceived.

Origin and writing of the kanji 咳

The kanji 咳 is composed of two radicals: 口[くち] (mouth) and 亥[がい] (one of the signs of the Chinese zodiac). The presence of the radical 口 suggests a relation to actions involving the mouth, while 亥 mainly acts as a phonetic component. Despite its simple structure, this kanji is not one of the most frequent in everyday use, appearing more prominently in medical contexts or descriptions of symptoms.

It's worth noting that 咳[せき] does not have common alternative readings, which makes it easier to memorize. A useful tip for those learning is to associate the sound "seki" with the act of coughing, as the pronunciation is short and direct. Additionally, the use of the kanji in health materials and medicine package inserts can help reinforce its meaning in a practical way.

Trivia and tips for memorization

An interesting fact about 咳[せき] is that in Japan, many people wear masks when they are coughing to avoid transmitting diseases. This habit, which has become even more common after the COVID-19 pandemic, shows how seriously coughing is taken in the Japanese social context. If you visit the country, you will notice that pharmacies have a section dedicated to cough medicines, often with the kanji 咳 highlighted on the packaging.

To memorize this word, an effective strategy is to create visual or auditory associations. For example, imagine someone coughing ("seki!") while holding their throat. Another tip is to practice writing the kanji several times, paying attention to the radicals that compose it. Over time, the term will become natural in your vocabulary, especially if you are immersed in situations where it appears frequently.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 咳嗽 (seki-so) - cough
• 咳き込み (seki-komi) - Severe/spasmodic cough
• 咳払い (seki-barai) - Cough to clear the throat
• 咳喘息 (seki-zensoku) - Asthmatic cough
• 咳症 (seki-shou) - Cough-related conditioning
• 咳嗽症 (seki-so-shou) - Cough syndrome
• 咳病 (seki-byō) - Cough disease
• 咳癖 (seki-bune) - Coughing fit
• 咳嗽喘息 (seki-so-zensoku) - Cough with asthmatic symptoms
• 咳嗽薬 (seki-so-yaku) - Cough medicine
• 咳嗽治療 (seki-so-chiryō) - Cough treatment
• 咳嗽療法 (seki-so-ryōhō) - Cough therapy
• 咳嗽病気 (seki-so-byōki) - Cough-related diseases