tousser

to cough

verb too-SEH Rare

Usage Note

Tousser is the standard verb for coughing; a single cough is une toux (f), and the act of coughing is la toux. Toussoter is a diminutive form meaning to have a slight, repeated cough. The phrase tousser comme un phoque (to cough like a seal) describes a loud, barking cough.

Examples

"Il toussait fort pendant la nuit."

Natural Translation

He was coughing heavily during the night.

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