1.
clearing one's throat, deliberate cough
The act of coughing deliberately to clear the throat or get someone's attention, as opposed to an involuntary cough from illness.
咳払いをして注意を引いた。
I cleared my throat to get their attention.
部長が咳払いをすると、部屋が静かになった。
When the manager cleared his throat, the room went quiet.
わざとらしい咳払いが聞こえた。
I heard an obvious throat-clearing.
WORD FORMATION:
- 咳 (cough) + 払い (clearing/sweeping) → the act of clearing with a cough
USAGE CONTEXTS:
1. To clear actual phlegm from the throat before speaking
2. To signal one's presence to others
3. To get someone's attention (often a subtle signal to stop doing something)
4. Before beginning a speech or announcement
VERB FORM:
- 咳払いをする (to clear one's throat)
VS 咳:
- 咳 - involuntary cough, often from illness
- 咳払い - deliberate, controlled cough
CULTURAL NOTE: In Japanese workplace settings, a superior's 咳払い may be a subtle signal to subordinates to pay attention or stop inappropriate behavior.