Dictionary
English - Japanese

Tooth

tuθ
Very common
~ 1700
~ 1700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

歯 (は), 歯 (は) - as in 'tooth of a gear', 歯 (は) - metaphorical usage (e.g., 'tooth of time'), 歯 (は) - in expressions like 'tooth fairy'

Tooth meanings in Japanese

歯 (は)

Example:
I have a toothache.
私は歯が痛いです。
He brushes his teeth every morning.
彼は毎朝歯を磨きます。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in medical or dental discussions, everyday conversations about dental hygiene.
Note: 歯 (は) refers specifically to the physical teeth in the mouth. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

歯 (は) - as in 'tooth of a gear'

Example:
The gear has a broken tooth.
そのギアは歯が壊れています。
Adjust the teeth of the cogwheel.
歯車の歯を調整してください。
Usage: formalContext: Used in mechanical or engineering contexts.
Note: In this context, 歯 (は) refers to the projections or parts of gears and cogs.

歯 (は) - metaphorical usage (e.g., 'tooth of time')

Example:
Time has its teeth.
時はその歯を持っています。
The tooth of time gnaws at everything.
時の歯はすべてをかじります。
Usage: formal/literaryContext: Used in literature and philosophical discussions.
Note: This metaphorical usage conveys the idea that time wears away or destroys everything.

歯 (は) - in expressions like 'tooth fairy'

Example:
The tooth fairy comes when you lose a tooth.
歯が抜けると歯の妖精が来ます。
Children believe in the tooth fairy.
子供たちは歯の妖精を信じています。
Usage: informalContext: Used in conversations about childhood myths and traditions.
Note: This usage is specific to cultural beliefs and does not translate literally into Japanese, hence the phrase '歯の妖精' (はのようせい) is used.

Tooth's synonyms

tooth

A hard, white structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing food.
Example: I have a toothache.
Note: N/A

molar

A type of tooth located at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Example: I need to get my molar checked by the dentist.
Note: Specifically refers to the large flat teeth at the back of the mouth.

incisor

A type of tooth at the front of the mouth used for cutting food.
Example: My incisors are sharp and help me bite into apples.
Note: Specifically refers to the sharp front teeth used for cutting.

canine

The pointed teeth next to the incisors used for tearing food.
Example: The canine teeth are also known as 'eye teeth'.
Note: Specifically refers to the pointed teeth next to the incisors.

premolar

The teeth between the canines and molars used for grinding and chewing.
Example: The premolars are located between the canines and molars.
Note: Specifically refers to the teeth located between canines and molars.

Tooth expressions, common phrases

Tooth and nail

To fight fiercely and with all one's resources or strength.
Example: She fought tooth and nail to win the competition.
Note: This phrase doesn't directly refer to the physical aspect of a tooth but highlights the intensity of a struggle.

By the skin of one's teeth

To narrowly succeed or survive.
Example: He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
Note: This phrase refers to a close call or a narrow escape, not to the literal skin around a tooth.

Have a sweet tooth

To have a strong preference or craving for sweet foods.
Example: She has a sweet tooth and loves to eat desserts.
Note: This phrase refers to a liking for sweet foods, not to a literal tooth.

Tooth fairy

A mythical creature in Western culture that is said to exchange a child's lost tooth for money or a gift.
Example: The tooth fairy visited him and left money under his pillow.
Note: This phrase refers to a mythical character and the tradition surrounding losing a tooth, not to an actual tooth.

Long in the tooth

To be old or aging.
Example: He's getting a bit long in the tooth to be starting a new career.
Note: This phrase refers to the lengthening of a horse's teeth as it ages, not to human teeth.

Cut one's teeth

To gain initial experience or expertise in a particular field.
Example: She cut her teeth as a reporter working for the local newspaper.
Note: This phrase metaphorically refers to the process of a baby's teeth emerging through the gums, symbolizing the beginning of learning or experience.

Tooth decay

The breakdown or destruction of tooth enamel due to bacteria and acids.
Example: Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Note: This phrase directly refers to the physical condition of teeth, specifically the deterioration of tooth structure.

Tooth everyday (slang) expressions

Chew the fat

To have a friendly chat or conversation.
Example: Let's meet up later and chew the fat over a cup of coffee.
Note: The slang term 'chew the fat' uses 'chew' in a figurative sense to mean talking or chatting, rather than the literal act of chewing food.

Bite the bullet

To endure a painful or difficult situation or to face a difficult task bravely.
Example: I have a dentist appointment tomorrow, so I need to bite the bullet and just go.
Note: The original meaning of 'bite the bullet' was literal, referring to the act of biting a bullet during surgery before anesthesia. The slang term now means to face a tough situation courageously.

Tooth and comb

To inspect or search something meticulously and carefully.
Example: Before the party, she went through the house tooth and comb to make sure everything was perfect.
Note: This slang term combines 'tooth' with 'comb' to emphasize a thorough and detailed inspection, akin to combing through something carefully with great attention to detail.

Toothsome

Delicious, appealing, or attractive, especially in terms of food.
Example: The dessert was absolutely toothsome; I couldn't resist having seconds.
Note: While 'toothsome' literally refers to something that is pleasing to taste or eat, it is often used in a more figurative sense to describe something appealing or attractive in general.

Tooth and nail it

To fiercely and determinedly pursue a goal or task.
Example: I'm going to tooth and nail it to finish this project on time.
Note: The addition of 'it' at the end of 'tooth and nail' emphasizes the strong commitment and determination in accomplishing something, often against all odds and with great effort.

Cavity

A gap or opening in one's schedule or plans.
Example: I have a cavity in my schedule tomorrow, so I'm free to hang out.
Note: While 'cavity' usually refers to a hole or decay in a tooth, in this slang term, it is used humorously to mean having some free time or an opening in one's schedule.

Toothache

An intense or persistent headache.
Example: I have a toothache of a headache from all the studying I did last night.
Note: While 'toothache' typically refers to pain in or around the tooth, in this slang term, it is humorously used to describe a severe headache, implying that it feels as painful as a toothache.

Tooth - Examples

My tooth hurts.
I need to brush my teeth.
The dentist checked my teeth.

Tooth grammar

Tooth - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: tooth
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): teeth
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): tooth
Syllables, Separation and Stress
tooth Contains 1 syllables: tooth
Phonetic transcription: ˈtüth
tooth , ˈtüth (The red syllable is stressed)

Tooth - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
tooth: ~ 1700 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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