Signification
To feel uneasy or repulsed by flattery or a disgusting sight.
Contexte culturel
Japanese people often value 'kuuki wo yomu' (reading the air). Overly direct praise can disrupt the 'air' by feeling forced or insincere, leading to the 'ha ga uku' sensation. The 'Tsundere' character archetype often uses this phrase to hide their embarrassment when someone says something nice to them. While 'ha ga uku' is a common feeling toward flattery, expressing it to a superior is a major taboo. It is strictly a 'behind-the-back' or 'close-friend' comment. On Japanese social media (Twitter/X), users use this phrase to react to 'cringe' influencer posts or overly dramatic 'staged' emotional videos.
Use with 'Youna'
It's most naturally used as an adjective: '{歯|は}が{浮|う}くような' + Noun.
Don't be too direct
Telling someone 'You make my teeth float' is a strong way to say they are being fake. Use with caution!
Signification
To feel uneasy or repulsed by flattery or a disgusting sight.
Use with 'Youna'
It's most naturally used as an adjective: '{歯|は}が{浮|う}くような' + Noun.
Don't be too direct
Telling someone 'You make my teeth float' is a strong way to say they are being fake. Use with caution!
Combine with 'Kiza'
Use it with 'kiza' (cheesy/affected) to sound like a native speaker: 'キザすぎて{歯|は}が{浮|う}く'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
{彼|かれ}の{台詞|せりふ}はあまりに{甘|あ}すぎて、{聞|き}いているこちらが_____。
The context of 'too sweet lines' (甘すぎて) leading to a feeling of cringe requires '{歯|は}が{浮|う}く'.
Which situation best fits the use of '{歯|は}が{浮|う}く'?
Choose the most appropriate scenario:
The idiom is used for insincere or overly 'sweet' social situations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 「{君|きみ}の{瞳|ひとみ}に{乾杯|かんぱい}」なんて、{今時|いまどき}{誰|だれ}が{言|い}うの? B: ほんとだね。________。
The phrase 'Here's to your eyes' is a classic cheesy line, making '{歯|は}が{浮|う}く' the perfect response.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices{彼|かれ}の{台詞|せりふ}はあまりに{甘|あ}すぎて、{聞|き}いているこちらが_____。
The context of 'too sweet lines' (甘すぎて) leading to a feeling of cringe requires '{歯|は}が{浮|う}く'.
Choose the most appropriate scenario:
The idiom is used for insincere or overly 'sweet' social situations.
A: 「{君|きみ}の{瞳|ひとみ}に{乾杯|かんぱい}」なんて、{今時|いまどき}{誰|だれ}が{言|い}うの? B: ほんとだね。________。
The phrase 'Here's to your eyes' is a classic cheesy line, making '{歯|は}が{浮|う}く' the perfect response.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, if said directly to the person flattering you. It implies you find them insincere.
No, use '{歯|は}が{痛|いた}い' for pain. '{歯|は}が{浮|う}く' is for a loose/unstable feeling.
Yes, though younger people might also use 'cringe' (kuringi) or 'kusa' (smelly/cheesy).
Expressions liées
{鳥肌|とりはだ}が{立|た}つ
similarTo get goosebumps.
{鼻|はな}につく
similarTo be tired of/disgusted by something (like a smell).
{歯|は}が{立|た}たない
confusing phraseTo be no match for; unable to compete.
{臭|くさ}い{台詞|せりふ}
synonymStinky (cheesy) lines.