牙

• Pinyin: yá
• Hanzi breakdown: 牙 = ancient pictograph depicting interlocking upper and lower teeth

Meaning

Tooth; teeth. Refers to the hard structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing.

Used in many compounds: 牙刷 (toothbrush), 牙膏 (toothpaste), 牙医 (dentist), 换牙 (to lose baby teeth). In everyday speech, 牙 can refer to a single tooth or teeth generally. Also appears in idioms such as 以牙还牙 (an eye for an eye, lit. tooth for tooth).

Examples

1. 医生建议每半年检查一次牙，预防蛀牙。 The doctor recommends checking your teeth every six months to prevent cavities.
2. 小孩子换牙是非常正常的生长过程。 Children losing their baby teeth is a completely normal part of growing up.
3. 他的牙很白，因为每天都认真刷牙。 His teeth are very white because he brushes them carefully every day.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, health

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我牙疼，需要去看牙医。(My tooth hurts — I need to see a dentist.)
• 每天早晚刷牙对牙齿健康很重要。(Brushing your teeth morning and night is important for dental health.)

Don't Say

• 用'牙'称呼动物的牙齿时忘记语境 (When referring to animal fangs or tusks, 牙 still works but 獠牙 is more specific for long fangs — context usually makes the meaning clear)

Origin & History

An ancient pictograph of interlocking teeth, one of the earliest written forms found in oracle bone script.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal