Meaning and Usage
The word "歯" (は) means "tooth" and is used to refer to the teeth in the mouth. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about dental care, pain, or growth.
Common Collocations
- 歯を磨く (はをみがく): to brush teeth — used when talking about dental hygiene.
- 歯が痛い (はがいたい): tooth hurts — a common phrase to express toothache.
- 歯が生え変わる (はがはえかわる): teeth are replaced — used when describing children's teeth falling out and adult teeth growing in.
Usage Notes
"歯" is a basic vocabulary word often introduced at the N5 level. It is used in both formal and informal contexts. When talking about multiple teeth, the plural is implied by context; Japanese does not usually mark plural explicitly.
A common learner mistake is confusing "歯" with "歯並び" (はならび), which means "alignment of teeth". Make sure to use "歯" when referring simply to the tooth or teeth themselves.