Understanding "咳嗽" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 咳嗽
• Pinyin: ké sou
• Literal Meaning: "Cough" (the sound and action combined)
• Primary Meaning: The act of coughing; a reflex action to clear the throat or airways.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"咳嗽" is a common term used to describe the physical act of coughing, whether due to illness, irritation, or other causes. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in medical discussions or everyday conversations.

For example:
- When someone is sick: "他咳嗽得很厉害。" (He is coughing badly.)
- As a symptom: "感冒时常常会咳嗽。" (You often cough when you have a cold.)

Character Breakdown

• 咳 (ké): This character represents the sound or action of coughing.
• 嗽 (sou): This character also refers to coughing or clearing the throat. Together, the two characters emphasize the action and sound of coughing.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他最近总是咳嗽。
   Pinyin: Tā zuìjìn zǒng shì ké sou.
   English: He has been coughing a lot recently.

2. Chinese: 咳嗽的时候多喝水。
   Pinyin: Ké sou de shíhou duō hē shuǐ.
   English: Drink more water when you cough.

3. Chinese: 医生说我需要吃药治疗咳嗽。
   Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō wǒ xūyào chī yào zhìliáo ké sou.
   English: The doctor said I need to take medicine to treat my cough.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, coughing is often associated with seasonal changes or imbalances in the body's "qi" (energy). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may recommend herbal remedies or dietary adjustments to address persistent coughing. Additionally, covering one's mouth when coughing is considered polite, much like in Western cultures.

Conclusion

"咳嗽" (ké sou) is a straightforward yet essential word in Chinese, referring to the act of coughing. Whether discussing health or describing symptoms, this term is widely used in daily life. Remember the characters 咳 (ké) and 嗽 (sou) to reinforce your understanding!