About
The character "咳" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the mouth radical "口" to denote its association with sounds from the mouth or throat, with the component "亥" serving as a phonetic indicator. Initially, this character conveyed a broader range of vocal expressions, including both the act of coughing and, in early literary contexts, the sound of infant laughter. Over time, its meaning gradually specialized to refer primarily to coughing, while a distinct pronunciation emerged for its use as an interjection expressing slight surprise or dismay. This semantic narrowing from general throat noises to a specific reflex illustrates how the character's functional application evolved while its structural composition remained consistent.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他经常咳嗽。
医生让我止咳。
咳嗽时要戴口罩。
这孩子咳得很厉害。
因为感冒，他不停地咳嗽。
如果咳得严重，就要去看医生。
这种药可以有效止咳。
他咳了一声，然后开始说话。