Translation guide
The English word 'tooth' refers to the hard structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing. In Japanese, the most common word is 歯 (は). This guide covers how to talk about teeth in various contexts, including anatomy, dental care, idioms, and related expressions.
tooth
Referring to a tooth or teeth in the mouth.
The general word for 'tooth' or 'teeth'. Japanese does not usually distinguish singular and plural.
歯を磨く。
I brush my teeth.
My tooth hurts.
A formal or technical term for 'tooth', often used in medical or literary contexts.
Dental treatment.
Referring to specific kinds of teeth, such as incisors, canines, or molars.
Front teeth, incisors.
Bite with your front teeth.
Canine tooth, eyetooth.
Back teeth, molars.
Molar (technical term).
Wisdom tooth (literally 'unknown to parents').
Distinguishing between deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth.
Talking about cavities, toothaches, brushing, and dental visits.
Expressions using 'tooth' metaphorically, such as 'tooth and nail' or 'to have a sweet tooth'.
A person with a sweet tooth (literally 'sweet party/faction').
I have a sweet tooth.
To be unable to compete with; to be no match for (literally 'teeth don't stand up').
To grit one's teeth; to endure pain or hardship.
Outspoken, blunt (literally 'not dressing the teeth with clothes').
He speaks bluntly.
Referring to the tooth of a comb, saw, gear, etc.
Japanese does not usually mark plural. '歯' can mean 'tooth' or 'teeth' depending on context. If you need to specify one tooth, you can say '一本の歯' (いっぽんのは).
Teeth are counted using the counter '本' (ほん): 一本 (いっぽん), 二本 (にほん), 三本 (さんぼん), etc.
The canine teeth are sharp.
Please chew well with your back teeth.
A cavity in a molar.
I had my wisdom tooth pulled.
A permanent tooth has come in.
Go to the dentist.
I'm suffering from a toothache.
I'm no match for him.
Grit your teeth and do your best.