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道Nihongo Path
歯

歯·tooth

On-yomi
シ
Kun-yomi
は

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

12 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
歯はtooth
歯医者はいしゃdentist
歯ブラシはぶらしtoothbrush
虫歯むしばcavity, bad tooth

Example sentences

  1. 寝る前に歯をみがきます。

    ねるまえにはをみがきます。

    I brush my teeth before bed.

  2. 歯が痛いので歯医者に行きます。

    はがいたいのではいしゃにいきます。

    My tooth hurts, so I'm going to the dentist.

  3. 甘い物ばかり食べていると虫歯になりますよ。

    あまいものばかりたべているとむしばになりますよ。

    If you eat nothing but sweets you'll get cavities.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 虫歯 as *むしは; it voices to むしば
  • Saying 歯を洗う — teeth are 磨く (みがく), not washed

Memory aid

Picture it

Stop (止) on top, with a mouth full of teeth drawn in the box below.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 歯 mean?