润喉 (rùn hóu) literally means 'to moisten the throat' — combining 润 (rùn), meaning 'to moisten, lubricate, or soothe', and 喉 (hóu), meaning 'throat'. It describes the action of relieving throat dryness, irritation, or discomfort, often through drinking warm liquids, using lozenges, or inhaling steam. Unlike general terms for 'treating a sore throat', 润喉 emphasizes gentle, symptomatic relief rather than curing an underlying illness.

This verb is commonly used in health-related contexts — especially during cold season, for singers or teachers who strain their voices, or when air is dry. It appears in product names (e.g., 润喉糖 'soothing throat candy'), advice columns, and daily conversation. While it can be used as a standalone verb, it frequently appears in compound structures like 润喉止咳 ('soothe the throat and suppress cough') or as part of a verbal phrase: 喝点蜂蜜水润喉 ('drink some honey water to soothe your throat').