Translation guide
Describes a tooth that sticks out more than normal, often referring to buck teeth or a single prominent tooth. Japanese has specific terms for this, ranging from clinical to colloquial.
Describe front teeth that stick out prominently, often both upper incisors.
Common, slightly colloquial term for buck teeth or protruding front teeth. Can be used in everyday conversation but may be considered blunt.
He is self-conscious about his buck teeth.
Clinical term for maxillary protrusion, used in dentistry and orthodontics.
Treatment for maxillary protrusion requires orthodontics.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'tooth/teeth are sticking out'. More neutral and less direct than 出っ歯.
I have a complex about my front teeth sticking out.
Describe one tooth that sticks out, not necessarily both front teeth.
Literally 'one tooth is sticking out'. Natural way to describe a single protruding tooth.
My right canine tooth sticks out.
Refers to a snaggletooth or irregularly protruding tooth, often giving a 'vampire' look. More specific and less common.
Neutral or clinical description of a tooth that is positioned forward.
Directly translating 'protruding tooth' as 突出した歯 is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural in everyday conversation. Use 出っ歯 or descriptive phrases like 歯が出ている instead.
出っ歯 can be blunt or teasing. When talking about someone's appearance, it's safer to use descriptive phrases like 歯が出ている or 前歯が少し出ている (front teeth stick out a little).
彼女の乱杭歯がチャームポイントだ。
Her snaggletooth is her charm point.