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歯の根が合わない (はのねがあわない) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, i-adjective
shivering with cold or fear ; teeth chattering
Idiomatic expression describing uncontrollable shivering, often from cold or intense fear, where one's teeth chatter so much they feel like they don't meet properly.
My teeth were chattering from fear.
Kanji 根 root, radical, head (pimple) Similar words 震ふる える A general verb for trembling or shivering, while 歯の根が合わない specifically describes the teeth chattering as part of the shivering.
がたがた An onomatopoeic adverb for chattering or rattling, often used with 震える; 歯の根が合わない is a more vivid, idiomatic phrase for the same phenomenon.
Etymology Literally 'the roots of the teeth do not meet', an idiomatic phrase describing the sensation of teeth chattering uncontrollably. The exact origin is uncertain, but it vividly captures the physical feeling of shivering.