How to Say
How to Write
kài
Meaning: to cough
💡 Imagine a 'kite' (kài) hitting you in the throat—you cough!
Compounds

📚 Character Story & Explanation

欬 (kài) meaning in English —

In a bustling Beijing tea house, an elderly man suddenly clears his throat with a sharp 'kài' sound, covering his mouth politely. The character 欬 (kài) specifically denotes a short, dry cough—not the deep 'ké sòu' of illness. It appears in classical texts and modern medical contexts, often describing throat-clearing or mild irritation. While rare in daily conversation, it adds precision when discussing cough types.

💬 Example Sentences

Common Compounds

Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up

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