咳せき払ばらい

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

clearing one's throat; cough (to clear throat)

A deliberate, often small cough used to clear the throat, get attention, or signal discomfort. Can be used as a noun or as a suru-verb.

• 彼かれは話はなし始はじめる前まえに咳せき払ばらいをした。

  He cleared his throat before starting to speak.

• 部屋へやに入はいるとき、軽かるく咳せき払ばらいをして存そん在ざいを知しらせた。

  When entering the room, I gave a small cough to let them know I was there.