Translation guide
Phlegm refers to thick mucus in the throat or respiratory tract. In Japanese, the most common word is 痰 (たん), but expressions for coughing it up or having it stuck in the throat are also important.
The general term for phlegm as a substance.
The standard medical and everyday word for phlegm. Used in phrases like 'to cough up phlegm'.
I have phlegm stuck in my throat.
I took medicine to clear out phlegm.
The action of bringing up phlegm from the throat or lungs.
Literally 'to spit out phlegm'. This is the most direct way to say 'to cough up phlegm'.
He spat phlegm on the street.
Means 'to clear phlegm' or 'to get rid of phlegm', often used in the context of medicine or remedies.
Means 'phlegm comes out', a common way to describe having phlegm when coughing.
When I cough, phlegm comes up.
The sensation of phlegm that won't come out.
Describing phlegm when talking to a doctor or about health.
Medical term for sputum or expectorated phlegm. Used in clinical settings.
We will do a sputum test.
痰 (たん) refers specifically to phlegm from the respiratory tract. Saliva is 唾液 (だえき) or more casually つば. Using 痰 for saliva is incorrect.
To describe the color of phlegm, use 色 (いろ) after 痰: 黄色い痰 (きいろいたん) 'yellow phlegm', 緑色の痰 (みどりいろのたん) 'green phlegm'.
I've been coughing up phlegm all day.
Do you have any medicine for phlegm?
This medicine is effective at clearing phlegm.
I have phlegm stuck in my throat and it's uncomfortable.