Spanish · Body & Health

"Cough" in Spanish: tos

la tos

Say it: tohsfeminine · la tosnoun/ˈtos/

A cough is la tos. It is feminine. Say tengo tos when you keep coughing.

Night

La tos no me deja dormir.
The cough won't let me sleep.
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How to pronounce tos

Say it

tohs

/ˈtos/

tohs. One short syllable.

"Cough" in Spanish: quick reference

SpanishEnglish
la tosthe cough

Default noun.

tengo tosI have a cough

Self-report.

tos secadry cough

Type.

jarabe para la toscough syrup

Pharmacy.

How to use tos in real life

  1. 1Night

    La tos no me deja dormir.

    The cough won't let me sleep.

    Disruption.

  2. 2Pharmacy

    Busco jarabe para la tos.

    I'm looking for cough syrup.

    Product.

  3. 3Clinic

    ¿Desde cuándo tiene tos?

    How long have you had a cough?

    Doctor.

Mistakes English speakers make with tos

Incorrect: El tos.

Correct: La tos.

Tos is feminine.

Incorrect: Tengo un cough.

Correct: Tengo tos.

Use tos, not English cough.

Good to know

La tos is a short, clear word at pharmacies. Say tos seca or tos con flema if they ask for the type.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Buying cough syrup

  1. ChatPal

    Esa tos suena fuerte.

    That cough sounds strong.

  2. You

    Sí. Quiero algo para la tos.

    Yes. I want something for the cough.

  3. ChatPal

    Pregunta por jarabe suave.

    Ask for a mild syrup.

  4. You

    Buena idea. Gracias.

    Good idea. Thanks.

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"Cough" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Cough" in Spanish

Gender of tos?

Feminine: la tos.

I have a cough?

Tengo tos.

Cough syrup?

Jarabe para la tos.

Pronunciation?

tohs—one short syllable.

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