'Dry cough' (gān ké) refers to a cough that produces little or no phlegm or mucus — in contrast to a 'wet' or 'productive' cough. The character 干 (gān) means 'dry' or 'lacking moisture', while 咳 (ké) means 'to cough'. Together, they literally describe the physical sensation of coughing without expectoration, often caused by throat irritation, allergies, early-stage colds, or environmental factors like dry air or smoke.

This term is commonly used in medical contexts, everyday health discussions, and self-reporting symptoms. It’s neutral in register — appropriate for both clinical settings and casual conversation. People may mention it when describing discomfort during seasonal changes, after speaking for long periods, or as a side effect of certain medications. Unlike some colloquial expressions, 干咳 carries no strong emotional connotation but signals a specific physiological condition worth noting for diagnosis or care.