歯 (chǐ) - Tooth — refers to the hard, calcified structures & also used metaphorically for tooth-like objects.

歯Tone 3

chǐ ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

歯 · chǐ

Tooth — refers to the hard, calcified structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing;

also used metaphorically for tooth-like objects.

Tooth — refers to the hard, calcified structuresalso used metaphorically for tooth-like objects.

Usage highlights

ToothbrushDentistToothpasteGearTooth decayWisdom tooth

Synonyms

  • 牙— fang, tusk (specifically for pointed teeth)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I brush my teeth every morning (歯を磨く).
  • The dentist examined my teeth (歯科医).
  • This comb has fine teeth (櫛の歯).
  • Gear teeth must mesh properly (歯車).

Collocations

  • Toothbrush(歯ブラシ)
  • Dentist(歯医者)
  • Toothpaste(歯磨き粉)
  • Gear(歯車)
  • Tooth decay(虫歯)
  • Wisdom tooth(親知らず)

Idioms

  • Grit one's teeth and endure(歯を食いしばる)
  • Set one's teeth on edge(歯が浮く)
  • Speak through clenched teeth(歯ぎしりしながら言う)
  • Not even a hair's breadth between(歯の隙間もない)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Japanese culture, teeth are associated with health, appearance, and sometimes social status.
  • The character 歯 is used in Japan as the simplified form of the traditional Chinese character 齒.
  • In traditional medicine and folklore, dental health was seen as connected to overall vitality.

FAQ