Japanese word

くしゃみ

Pronunciation

Romajikushami

Meaning

  • nounsneeze

Example

隣の部屋からくしゃみが聞こえました。tonari no heya ka ra ku sha mi ga ki ko e ma shi ta

I heard a sneeze from the next room.

Illustration for くしゃみ (sneeze)

More examples

会議中にくしゃみをこらえました。kai gi chū ni ku sha mi o ko ra e ma shi ta

I held back a sneeze during the meeting.

Core concept

Describes the body's sudden reflex of expelling air, often with a recognizable sound.

Common phrases

  • くしゃみをするku sha mi o su ru

    sneeze

  • くしゃみが出るku sha mi ga de ru

    sneeze

  • くしゃみをこらえるku sha mi o ko ra e ru

    hold back a sneeze

  • くしゃみが出そうku sha mi ga de sō

    feel a sneeze coming

Definition in Japanese

鼻や口から反射的に強く息を吐き出すこと。また、それに伴う音。hana ya kuchi ka ra han sha teki ni tsuyo ku iki o ha ki da su ko to ma ta so re ni tomona u oto

Word origin

くしゃみ (kushami) is a native Japanese noun that comes from the older word くさめ (kusame, "sneeze"); its earlier origin is not certain.

Usage tips

  • The English word sneeze works as both a noun and a verb, so a sneeze names the event while to sneeze names the action.

Other meanings

  • sneezingnoun

Word lists with this word