Definition

1. Noun:

   • Tooth: A hard, calcified structure embedded in the jaws of vertebrates, used for biting and chewing food.
   • Cog/Tooth: A projecting part on a tool (like a saw or rake) or a gearwheel, designed to fit into corresponding parts of another object to transmit motion.

2. Adverb (dialectal, Central Vietnam):

   • How; Why; What: Used to form questions about manner or reason.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Em bé đang mọc răng. (The baby is teething.)
  • Tôi phải đi hàn một cái răng sâu. (I have to go fill a cavity.)
  • Bánh răng này đã bị mòn. (This gear tooth is worn out.)

• Adverb (dialectal):

  • Răng rứa? (Why is that? / What's the matter?)
  • Mần răng bây giờ? (What do we do now? / How to proceed?)

Advanced Usage

• "kẽ răng": Literally "between the teeth," used to describe something done with extreme attention to minute detail.
  • Báo cáo phải chi tiết đến từng kẽ răng. (The report must be detailed down to the finest point.)

Variants and Related Words

• Răng sữa (n): Milk tooth, baby tooth.
• Răng khôn (n): Wisdom tooth.
• Răng giả (n): False tooth, denture.
• Răng cưa (n): Sawtooth.
• Răng lược (n): Comb tooth; also refers to the teeth of a gear.

Synonyms

• Tooth (for the anatomical and tool part).
• Cog, Prong, Tine (for the tool/mechanical part).
• How, Why (for the dialectal interrogative).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Môi hở răng lạnh: Literally "If the lips are parted, the teeth get cold." Meaning: When closely related parties are in trouble, others in the group will also be affected. Similar to "When the neighbor's house is on fire, check your own."
• Chân răng kẽ tóc: Literally "tooth roots and hair strands." Meaning: To describe something in exhaustive, meticulous detail.
• Cười nhe răng: To grin, to smile broadly showing one's teeth.
• Nghiến răng: To grind one's teeth (in anger, frustration, or during sleep).

noun

1. tooth
   • sún răng
     toothless