coeng1嗆呛

Jyutpingcoeng1

Yalechēung

Uncommon

Definition

To choke or cough because of swallowing or inhaling food, liquid, or smoke the wrong way.

colloquialbodyhealth

How it's used

This verb is specifically used for the involuntary reaction of coughing when food or liquid enters the windpipe. It is almost always paired with the particle 親 to indicate the completion or result of the action, forming the common phrase 嗆親. While it describes a physical sensation, it is also used metaphorically to describe the sharp, burning sensation in the nose or throat caused by strong smells like chili or wasabi.

Examples

jam2飲seoi2水jam2飲dou3到coeng1嗆can1親aa4呀。

I choked while drinking water.

nei5你sik6食faan6飯wui2會m4唔wui2會seng4成jat6日coeng1嗆dou3到？

Do you often choke when you eat?

Related words

Common phrases

coeng1嗆can1親

to have choked (on something)

coeng1嗆hau4喉

to feel a burning sensation in the throat

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 哽, which refers to food getting stuck in the throat and blocking the airway, whereas 嗆 refers to the coughing reflex caused by inhaling or swallowing incorrectly.