歯
ha[ha̠]
The Japanese word for "tooth" is 歯 (ha).
歯 refers to the anatomical part of the mouth, specifically a tooth.
Meaning: anatomy: tooth (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 歯 is both singular and plural, meaning it can be used for one tooth or multiple teeth.
How do you pronounce it?
ha
Did you know?
- The pronunciation of 歯 evolved over centuries from an initial 'p' sound to a 'f' sound and finally to the modern 'h' sound.
- The Japanese word 歯 is used in the phrase 歯を磨く, which literally means 'to polish the teeth'. This differs from the English 'brushing' and emphasizes the result of a shiny surface.
- The word 歯 is a key part of the expression 歯を食いしばる, meaning 'to grit one's teeth'. It is used figuratively to describe enduring a difficult or painful situation with determination.
Examples in context
- 歯が痛いの？Does your tooth hurt?This sentence is useful for asking if a 歯 hurts.Tatoeba #11574659 by small_snow, translation #9588912 by megamanenm
- その歯が痛い。That tooth hurts.This sentence is useful for stating that a specific 歯 hurts.Tatoeba #1679064 by Meow, translation #462536 by lukaszpp
- 歯が欠けました。I've chipped a tooth.This sentence is useful for saying that a 歯 has been chipped.Tatoeba #11041835 by small_snow, translation #3819132 by CK
- 昨日、歯医者で 歯茎 の健康について学んだよ。Yesterday, I learned about gum health at the dentist.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking about a visit to the dentist.
- 美咲 Misaki新しい歯が生えてきたよ。Atarashii ha ga haete kita yo.A new tooth has grown in.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれはよかったね。Sore wa yokatta ne.That's good to hear.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔君の歯は大丈夫？Hiroto-kun no ha wa daijoubu?Are your teeth okay, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、全然平気だよ。Un, zenzen heiki da yo.Yeah, they are perfectly fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tooth” translations and entries 歯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 歯, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
