咳払(せきばら)い

せきばらい
noun
clearing one's throat, cough
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(せきばら)いをして注意(ちゅうい)を引(ひ)いた。
I cleared my throat to get their attention.
部長(ぶちょう)が咳払(せきばら)いをすると、部屋(へや)が静(しず)かになった。
When the manager cleared his throat, the room went quiet.
わざとらしい咳払(せきばら)いが聞(き)こえた。
I heard an obvious throat-clearing.

WORD FORMATION:

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(せきばら)いをする (to clear one's throat)

VS 咳(せき):

  • 咳(せき) - involuntary cough, often from illness
  • 咳払(せきばら)い - deliberate, controlled cough

CULTURAL NOTE: In Japanese workplace settings, a superior's 咳払(せきばら)い may be a subtle signal to subordinates to pay attention or stop inappropriate behavior.

general
Added 2026.1.18 5:57 · Revised 2026.7.17 3:23
06500/06512_sekibarai