Definition

1. Verb (Transitive/Intransitive):
   • To grind one's teeth: To rub the upper and lower teeth together forcefully, often producing a harsh, grating sound. This can be an involuntary action during sleep or a conscious expression of strong emotion.
   • To clench one's teeth: To press the upper and lower teeth together tightly, usually as a sign of anger, frustration, determination, or an effort to endure pain.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy thường nghiến răng khi ngủ. (He often grinds his teeth in his sleep.)
  • Cô ấy tức giận đến mức nghiến răng ken két. (She was so angry she ground her teeth with a screeching noise.)
  • Vận động viên phải nghiến răng chịu đau để hoàn thành cuộc đua. (The athlete had to clench his teeth and endure the pain to finish the race.)

Advanced Usage

• Medical/Sleep Context: The act of grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep, is a condition known as "bruxism."
  • Thói nghiến răng ban đêm có thể làm hỏng men răng. (Nocturnal teeth grinding can damage tooth enamel.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nghiến chặt răng: To clench one's teeth very tightly.
  • Cậu bé nghiến chặt răng, cố gắng không khóc. (The boy clenched his teeth tightly, trying not to cry.)

Synonyms

• Grind one's teeth: To rub teeth together abrasively.
• Clench one's teeth: To hold teeth together under pressure.
• Grit one's teeth: To press teeth together, especially when facing difficulty.

Related Idioms

• Nghiến răng nghiến lợi: (Literally: to grind teeth and gums) An intensified expression meaning to be extremely angry or to endure something with great difficulty.
  • Nghe tin đó, ông ấy tức đến mức nghiến răng nghiến lợi. (Hearing that news, he was so furious he was grinding his teeth and gums.)

1. Grind one's teeth, clench one's teeth
   • Tức quá nghiến răng ken két
     To grind one's teeth with a screeching noise out of anger
   • Nghiền răng chịu đau
     To clench one's teeth and endure a pain