虫歯
mushiba[mɯ̟ɕiba̠]
The English phrase decayed tooth is translated into Japanese as 虫歯 (mushiba).
The term 虫歯 is used both to refer to the condition of tooth decay and the actual cavity itself.
Did you know?
- The term 虫歯 literally translates to 'bug tooth' because of an ancient belief that tiny worms lived inside teeth and caused decay.
- Because of the 'worm' connection, Japanese children often imagine the decay as a physical creature that needs to be 'shooed away' or removed by the dentist.
- While 虫歯 is the common term, dentists use the more formal word う蝕 (ushoku) in medical reports. This term is derived from Chinese characters and lacks the 'worm' imagery.
Examples in context
- どうも虫歯のようです。I think I have a decayed tooth.Tatoeba #201176 by small_snow, translation #38383 by AlanF_US
- 私は虫歯になった歯を抜かれた。I had my decayed tooth removed.Tatoeba #1679072 by Meow, translation #1701447 by Scott
- むし歯にならないように、しっかり歯磨きをしようね。Let's brush our teeth properly so that we don't get any cavities.
- この虫歯はかなり痛いです。Kono mushiba wa kanari itai desu.This decayed tooth is quite painful.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about a visit to the dentist.
- 結衣 Yui健太くん、歯医者さんに行ったの？Kenta-kun, haisha-san ni itta no?Kenta, did you go to the dentist?
- 健太 Kentaうん、ひどい虫歯が見つかったよ。Un, hidoi mushiba ga mitsukatta yo.Yeah, they found a bad decayed tooth.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは大変だったね。Sore wa taihen datta ne.That sounds tough.
- 健太 Kenta明日からまた治療が始まるよ。Ashita kara mata chiryou ga hajimaru yo.The treatment starts again tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 虫歯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 虫歯, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
