つかえる

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

feel a lump or blockage in the chest or throat; feel choked up

Describes a physical sensation of tightness or obstruction in the chest or throat, often due to strong emotion (grief, anxiety) or illness. Cross-referenced with 閊える sense 5, which shares this meaning.

See also: つかえる

• 悲かなしみで胸むねがつかえて、言こと葉ばが出でなかった。

  My chest felt so tight with grief that I couldn't speak.

• 風邪かぜのせいか、のどがつかえる感かんじがする。

  Maybe because of my cold, my throat feels blocked.