呕吐

You can use 呕吐 as a verb or a noun. Usually, you see it with the verb 想 (want to). For example, 我想呕吐 means 'I feel like vomiting.' You can also use it to describe a symptom. If you go to a doctor, this is the word you need. It sounds more clinical than just saying 吐 (tǔ).

Use this when you have food poisoning. Use it if you get motion sickness on a bus. It is perfect for professional settings like a hospital. You can also use it when texting a friend to explain why you are late. It is clear and leaves no room for confusion. Just don't say it while people are eating!

Avoid using this as a casual slang for 'gross.' In English, we might say 'That's gag-worthy.' In Chinese, 呕吐 is a bit too literal for that. If you just want to say 'gross,' use 恶心 (ě xīn) instead. Also, don't use it to mean 'spitting out' words. That is a different kind of 吐.

In China, talking about digestion is quite common. However, 呕吐 is still a 'heavy' word. Chinese culture often associates vomiting with 'heat' or 'cold' in the stomach. If you tell a Chinese friend you are 呕吐, they might suggest hot ginger water. It is seen as a sign that your 'Qi' is moving in the wrong direction.

In casual speech, people often just say 吐 (tǔ). It is shorter and faster. For motion sickness, you say 晕车 (yùn chē). If you feel nauseous but don't vomit, use 恶心 (ě xīn). If you are talking about a baby spitting up milk, use 吐奶 (tǔ nǎi).