hau2 seoi2 taam4口水痰
Jyutpinghau2 seoi2 taam4
Yaleháu séui tàahm
Definition
Spit, sputum, or phlegm mixed with saliva.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
This term is a colloquial compound that specifically refers to the thick, sticky mucus associated with coughing or throat irritation. While 痰 alone is sufficient to mean phlegm, adding 口水 emphasizes the saliva-like, viscous nature of the discharge. It is frequently used in casual health complaints to describe the sensation of needing to clear one's throat.
Measure word
daam6啖damhExamples
You have phlegm in your throat, go see a doctor.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in formal medical contexts or professional settings, as it sounds very informal and slightly graphic. Use the simpler 痰 when speaking to a doctor or in a more neutral situation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
