牙(きば)

きば
noun
fang; tusk
body-partanimal-general
1. fang; tusk; canine tooth (of an animal)
The long, sharp teeth of a predatory animal (fangs) or the protruding teeth of animals like elephants or wild boars (tusks). Also used figuratively to describe something threatening or aggressive.
狼(おおかみ)が牙(きば)をむいた。
The wolf bared its fangs.
象(ぞう)の牙(きば)は象牙(ぞうげ)と呼(よ)ばれる。
Elephant tusks are called ivory.
普段(ふだん)は穏(おだ)やかな彼(かれ)が、怒(おこ)ると牙(きば)をむくように豹変(ひょうへん)する。
He is usually gentle, but when angry, he transforms as if baring his fangs.

Usage

The phrase 牙(きば)をむく (to bare one's fangs) is widely used both literally (for animals) and figuratively (for people who suddenly become hostile or aggressive). It implies a threatening posture or a sudden display of aggression.

Common collocations

  • 牙(きば)をむく (to bare one's fangs — also figurative)
  • 鋭(するど)い牙(きば) (sharp fangs)
  • 毒(どく)牙(きば) (poison fang — also figurative: harmful influence)
  • 牙(きば)を抜(ぬ)く (to pull someone's fangs — to render harmless)
general
Added 2026.3.10 15:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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