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A1 noun #2,500 most common 8 min read

दाँत

daant
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips दाँत in 30 Seconds
Explanation दाँत in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'दाँत' (Dānt) means 'tooth' or 'teeth'. It is a basic body part word. You should be able to use it in simple sentences like 'I have white teeth' (मेरे दाँत सफेद हैं) or 'My tooth hurts' (मेरे दाँत में दर्द है). Remember that it is a masculine word, so you use 'मेरा' (my) or 'बड़ा' (big) with it. You will mostly use it when talking about daily habits like brushing (दाँत साफ करना).
At the A2 level, you start using 'दाँत' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about visiting the dentist (डेंटिस्ट/दंत चिकित्सक) and describe simple problems. You should also be aware of the plural form in the oblique case: 'दाँतों'. For example, 'दाँतों की सफाई' (cleaning of the teeth). You might also learn the term 'दूध के दाँत' (milk teeth) when talking about children or family.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'दाँत' in a variety of social and health-related situations. You can explain symptoms to a doctor, such as 'मसूड़ों में सूजन' (swelling in gums) or 'दाँत निकलवाना' (getting a tooth pulled). You also begin to encounter common idioms like 'दाँत खट्टे करना' (to defeat someone) in stories or casual conversation, and you understand that 'दाँत' doesn't just mean a physical object but can represent strength or aggression.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'दाँत' in idiomatic expressions fluently. You understand the nuance of 'दाँत दिखाना' (to mock/grin) versus 'मुस्कुराना' (to smile). you are familiar with proverbs like 'हाथी के दाँत दिखाने के और...' and can use them in appropriate contexts. Your grammar regarding masculine agreement and oblique pluralization ('दाँतों तले उँगली दबाना') should be near-perfect.
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At the C1 level, you recognize the Sanskrit root 'दंत' and its use in compound academic or technical terms like 'दंत-विज्ञान' (dental science) or 'दंत-मंजन'. You can appreciate the use of 'दाँत' in literature, where it might be used as a metaphor for time or decay. You can discuss the cultural history of dental hygiene in India, such as the use of 'Datun', and express complex opinions on health or beauty standards involving teeth.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word 'दाँत'. You can use archaic synonyms like 'दशन' in poetic contexts and understand the deepest metaphorical layers in classical Hindi literature. You can navigate any professional dental discussion in Hindi and use rare idioms or puns involving teeth to add flavor to your speech. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic cues when someone uses 'दाँत' in a derogatory vs. descriptive way.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

दाँत in 30 Seconds

  • दाँत (Dānt) is a masculine noun meaning 'tooth' or 'teeth'.
  • It stays 'दाँत' in plural unless followed by a preposition (oblique case).
  • Commonly used in health contexts and many powerful Hindi idioms.
  • The formal Sanskrit version is 'दंत' (Dant), used in medical terms.

The Hindi word दाँत (Dānt) is a fundamental masculine noun used to describe the hard, calcified structures found in the jaws of humans and many animals. While its primary biological function is the mechanical breakdown of food—biting, tearing, and chewing—it holds a much broader significance in the Hindi language, encompassing health, aesthetics, and a vast array of metaphorical expressions. In the context of human anatomy, 'दाँत' refers to the entire set of teeth. Interestingly, in Hindi, the word remains 'दाँत' in both singular and plural forms when used in the direct case (e.g., 'एक दाँत' vs 'सारे दाँत'), but it changes to 'दाँतों' in the oblique case (e.g., 'दाँतों में दर्द').

Anatomical Reference
Refers to incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
Grammatical Gender
Masculine (Pulling). Example: 'मेरा दाँत टूट गया' (My tooth broke).
Phonetic Note
The 'ā' is nasalized due to the Chandrabindu (ँ), pronounced as 'Dānt'.

बच्चे के नए दाँत निकल रहे हैं। (The baby's new teeth are coming out.)

Beyond biology, 'दाँत' is central to the concept of 'Muskurahat' (smile). In Indian culture, clean white teeth are often associated with health and discipline. Historically, the use of 'Datun' (a fibrous twig, usually from a Neem tree) was the traditional way to clean 'दाँत', a practice still visible in rural India. This cultural background adds a layer of 'natural hygiene' to the word's usage. Furthermore, the strength of teeth is often used as a metaphor for resilience or the ability to 'digest' or handle difficult situations.

हाथी के दाँत दिखाने के और, खाने के और। (Elephant's teeth: some for show, some for eating - a proverb about hypocrisy.)

In literature and poetry, 'दाँत' are often compared to pearls (मोती) or jasmine buds (कुंद के फूल) to describe a beautiful smile. This romanticized view contrasts sharply with the gritty idioms involving teeth, such as 'दाँत पीसना' (to gnash teeth in anger). This duality makes the word incredibly versatile in both daily conversation and high-level Hindi literature. Whether you are visiting a dentist (दंत चिकित्सक) or describing a fierce battle where someone 'bit the dust' (though the Hindi equivalent uses different imagery, the 'biting' aspect remains in 'दाँतों तले उँगली दबाना' for surprise), 'दाँत' is an indispensable part of the vocabulary.

उसके सफेद दाँत मोतियों जैसे चमकते हैं। (Her white teeth shine like pearls.)

Medical Term
'दंत' (Dant) is the formal/Sanskritized version used in compound words like 'दंत-मंजन' (tooth powder).
Daily Usage
Commonly used in phrases like 'दाँत साफ करना' (to clean teeth).

Using the word दाँत correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and its role in common verb pairings. Since it is a masculine noun, all accompanying adjectives and verbs must reflect this gender. For instance, 'My tooth is aching' is 'मेरे दाँत में दर्द है' (Mere dānt mein dard hai). Note that 'दर्द' (pain) is also masculine, and 'दाँत' here is in the singular/oblique form because of the preposition 'में'.

Common Verb Pairings

  • दाँत मांजना / साफ करना (Dānt mānjnā / sāf karnā): To brush or clean teeth. 'मांजना' specifically refers to the scrubbing action.
  • दाँत निकलना (Dānt nikalnā): To have teeth coming in (teething) or to have a tooth erupt.
  • दाँत तोड़ना (Dānt toṛnā): Literally to break someone's teeth, often used as a threat in aggressive slang.
  • दाँत दिखाना (Dānt dikhānā): Literally to show teeth, but often means to laugh or grin, sometimes mockingly.

ज़्यादा दाँत मत दिखाओ, पढ़ाई पर ध्यान दो। (Don't grin too much, focus on your studies.)

When discussing plural teeth in the oblique case (when followed by postpositions like 'का', 'के', 'में', 'से'), 'दाँत' becomes 'दाँतों'. For example, 'The color of the teeth' is 'दाँतों का रंग'. This is a crucial distinction for intermediate learners. If you are talking about a specific tooth, you might use 'यह दाँत' (this tooth), but for the whole set, 'सारे दाँत' (all teeth) is used. In dental contexts, you might encounter 'दाँत लगवाना' (to get dentures/artificial teeth) or 'दाँत निकलवाना' (to have a tooth extracted).

Adjective Agreement

Adjectives must match the masculine gender: सफेद दाँत (white teeth), मजबूत दाँत (strong teeth), गंदे दाँत (dirty teeth). Even if you are describing a woman's teeth, the adjective remains masculine because it modifies 'दाँत'.

The word दाँत is ubiquitous in Hindi-speaking environments, ranging from the domestic sphere to professional medical settings and colorful street slang. You will most frequently hear it in the following contexts:

1. Domestic and Daily Routine

In every Indian household, parents can be heard telling children, 'दाँत साफ किए?' (Did you clean your teeth?). During the teething phase of an infant, family members will frequently discuss 'दाँत निकलना'. It is a staple of morning routines and health-related family discussions.

2. Medical and Commercial Contexts

If you walk down a street in India, you will see signs for 'दंत चिकित्सक' (Dentist) or 'दाँतों का अस्पताल' (Dental Hospital). Television commercials for toothpaste (टूथपेस्ट) and toothbrushes are constant, often using slogans like 'मजबूत दाँतों का राज' (The secret to strong teeth) or 'सफेद दाँत, चमकती मुस्कान' (White teeth, sparkling smile).

क्या आपके टूथपेस्ट में नमक है? यह आपके दाँतों के लिए ज़रूरी है। (Does your toothpaste have salt? It's important for your teeth.)

3. Idiomatic and Figurative Speech

Hindi is rich with idioms involving teeth. In movies or dramatic conversations, you might hear someone say, 'मैं उसके दाँत खट्टे कर दूँगा' (I will defeat him thoroughly). If someone is shocked, a narrator might say, 'उसने दाँतों तले उँगली दबा ली' (He bit his finger under his teeth - expressing amazement). These phrases are common in storytelling and news reporting.

4. Folklore and Proverbs

Proverbs like 'दान की बछिया के दाँत नहीं देखे जाते' (Don't look at the teeth of a gifted calf - similar to 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth') are used by elders to impart wisdom. Hearing these provides a deep insight into the linguistic culture where 'दाँत' serve as an indicator of age and value.

For learners of Hindi, दाँत presents a few specific challenges, primarily related to gender, pluralization, and pronunciation. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Hindi sound much more natural.

1. Gender Confusion

Many learners mistakenly assume 'दाँत' is feminine, perhaps because 'smile' (मुस्कान) is feminine. However, 'दाँत' is strictly masculine. Incorrect: मेरी दाँत सफेद है। Correct: मेरे दाँत सफेद हैं। (My teeth are white). Always use masculine possessive pronouns (मेरे, उसके) and adjectives.

2. Pluralization Errors

In the direct case, the word doesn't change: 'एक दाँत' (one tooth), 'बत्तीस दाँत' (thirty-two teeth). Learners often try to add an 'e' or 'aan' sound to make it plural (like 'dante' or 'dantan'), which is incorrect. The only change happens in the oblique case (followed by a preposition): 'दाँतों में' (in the teeth).

3. Pronunciation: The Nasal Sound

The Chandrabindu (ँ) over the 'दा' signifies a nasalized vowel. Learners often pronounce it as a hard 'n' (like 'Dant' in English 'Punt') or skip the nasalization entirely. It should be a soft, nasalized 'ā'. Practice saying 'Dā-nt' where the 'n' is felt more in the nose than the tongue hitting the roof of the mouth.

Wrong: मेरे दाँत टूट गई। (Mere dānt tūt gayi - feminine verb)
Right: मेरा दाँत टूट गया। (Merā dānt tūt gayā - masculine verb)

4. Misusing 'Dant' vs 'Dānt'

'Dant' (दंत) is the formal/Sanskrit root. While technically correct, using 'दंत' in casual conversation like 'मेरा दंत दुख रहा है' sounds overly robotic or like a textbook from the 1950s. Stick to 'दाँत' for daily life.

While दाँत is the standard word for tooth, several related terms exist in Hindi that describe specific types of teeth, dental parts, or formal variations. Understanding these will help you navigate medical and descriptive contexts.

दंत (Dant)
The Sanskrit-derived formal version. Used in terms like 'दंत-मंजन' (tooth powder) or 'दंत-कथा' (a legend/fable - literally 'tooth-story').
दाढ़ (Dāṛh)
Specifically refers to the molar or the jaw-teeth. If you have a back-tooth ache, you'd say 'दाढ़ में दर्द है'.
मसूड़ा (Masūṛā)
Refers to the gum. 'मसूड़ों से खून आना' (bleeding from gums) is a common health complaint.
दूध के दाँत (Dūdh ke dānt)
Literally 'milk teeth' (baby teeth). Used just like in English to describe temporary teeth in children.
अक्ल दाढ़ (Aql dāṛh)
Literally 'wisdom molar' (wisdom tooth). 'अक्ल' means wisdom/intellect.

मेरी अक्ल दाढ़ बहुत दर्द कर रही है। (My wisdom tooth is hurting a lot.)

In terms of synonyms, there aren't many casual alternatives to 'दाँत', but in high Hindi poetry, you might encounter 'दशन' (Dashan) or 'रदन' (Radan), though these are extremely rare in modern speech. Comparing 'दाँत' to other body parts, it is distinct from 'जबड़ा' (Jabṛā - jaw), though they are closely related in function. Knowing the difference between 'दाँत' (general tooth) and 'दाढ़' (molar) is the mark of an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Masculine noun agreement

Oblique case pluralization

Causative verbs (निकलवाना)

Compound nouns with 'के'

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Examples by Level

1

मेरे दाँत सफेद हैं।

My teeth are white.

Uses masculine plural agreement 'हैं'.

2

बच्चा दाँत साफ कर रहा है।

The child is cleaning (his) teeth.

Verb 'साफ करना' means to clean.

3

यह एक दाँत है।

This is a tooth.

Singular use of दाँत.

4

मेरे दाँत में दर्द है।

I have a toothache.

Oblique singular 'दाँत' with 'में'.

5

हाथी के दाँत बड़े होते हैं।

Elephant's teeth (tusks) are big.

Plural masculine 'बड़े'.

6

दाँत मत तोड़ो।

Don't break the tooth.

Imperative negative.

7

उसके दो दाँत गिर गए।

His two teeth fell out.

Plural verb 'गए'.

8

क्या तुम दाँत साफ करते हो?

Do you clean your teeth?

Simple present question.

1

डॉक्टर ने मेरा दाँत देखा।

The doctor looked at my tooth.

Simple past tense.

2

बच्चे के दूध के दाँत गिर रहे हैं।

The child's milk teeth are falling out.

Compound noun 'दूध के दाँत'.

3

दाँतों को दिन में दो बार साफ करो।

Clean your teeth twice a day.

Oblique plural 'दाँतों' with 'को'.

4

मेरे दाँत बहुत मजबूत हैं।

My teeth are very strong.

Adjective 'मजबूत' (strong).

5

क्या आपके दाँत में कीड़ा लगा है?

Do you have a cavity (tooth-worm)?

Idiomatic 'कीड़ा लगना' for cavity.

6

दाँतों के बीच में कुछ फँस गया है।

Something is stuck between the teeth.

Prepositional phrase 'के बीच में'.

7

नया दाँत निकल रहा है।

A new tooth is coming out.

Continuous tense.

8

दाँत साफ करने का ब्रश कहाँ है?

Where is the toothbrush?

Genitive 'का' linking brush to action.

1

मुझे दाँत निकलवाना पड़ेगा।

I will have to get a tooth extracted.

Causative verb 'निकलवाना'.

2

ठंडा पानी पीने से मेरे दाँतों में झनझनाहट होती है।

Drinking cold water causes sensitivity in my teeth.

'झनझनाहट' means tingling/sensitivity.

3

भारतीय सेना ने दुश्मनों के दाँत खट्टे कर दिए।

The Indian army defeated the enemies thoroughly.

Idiom 'दाँत खट्टे करना'.

4

दाँतों की सड़न से बचने के लिए मीठा कम खाएं।

Eat less sweets to avoid tooth decay.

'सड़न' means decay.

5

उसकी मुस्कुराहट में उसके दाँत चमक रहे थे।

His teeth were shining in his smile.

Past continuous.

6

दाँत का दर्द बर्दाश्त से बाहर है।

The toothache is beyond endurance.

Abstract noun 'बर्दाश्त' (endurance).

7

क्या आपने कभी नीम की दातून से दाँत साफ किए हैं?

Have you ever cleaned your teeth with a Neem twig?

Present perfect question.

8

दाँतों का पीलापन कैसे दूर करें?

How to remove the yellowness of teeth?

'पीलापन' is the noun for yellowness.

1

उसकी बात सुनकर मैंने दाँतों तले उँगली दबा ली।

I was amazed/shocked after hearing his words.

Idiom for extreme surprise.

2

ज़्यादा दाँत मत दिखाओ, वरना पछताओगे।

Don't laugh/grin too much, or you'll regret it.

Idiomatic use of 'दाँत दिखाना'.

3

हाथी के दाँत दिखाने के और, खाने के और होते हैं।

What is shown is different from reality (hypocrisy).

Famous proverb.

4

दाँत पीसते हुए उसने अपना गुस्सा काबू किया।

Gnashes his teeth, he controlled his anger.

Participle 'पीसते हुए'.

5

बुढ़ापे में दाँत गिरना एक आम समस्या है।

Losing teeth in old age is a common problem.

Gerund 'गिरना' as a subject.

6

उसने अपने दाँत किटकिटाए।

He chattered his teeth (from cold or anger).

Onomatopoeic verb 'किटकिटाना'.

7

दाँतों के स्वास्थ्य का सीधा संबंध हमारे पाचन से है।

Dental health is directly related to our digestion.

Formal sentence structure.

8

बिना दाँत के वह बहुत अजीब लग रहा था।

He was looking very strange without teeth.

Prepositional 'बिना'.

1

कवि ने नायिका के दाँतों की तुलना कुंद के फूलों से की है।

The poet compared the heroine's teeth to jasmine buds.

Literary comparison.

2

दंत चिकित्सा के क्षेत्र में नई तकनीकें आ रही हैं।

New technologies are emerging in the field of dentistry.

Formal term 'दंत चिकित्सा'.

3

उसने लोहे के चने चबाने जैसा काम किया है।

He has done an incredibly difficult task.

Idiom 'लोहे के चने चबाना' (related to teeth/chewing).

4

दाँतों की बनावट से इंसान के व्यक्तित्व का पता चलता है।

The structure of teeth reveals a person's personality.

Abstract concept 'बनावट'.

5

जीभ और दाँत का साथ हमेशा का होता है, फिर भी दाँत काट लेते हैं।

The tongue and teeth are always together, yet teeth bite (metaphor for close relations).

Philosophical observation.

6

उसकी बातों में ज़हर था, पर दाँतों में मुस्कान।

There was poison in his words, but a smile on his teeth (face).

Contrastive literary use.

7

दंत-कथाओं के अनुसार, यह स्थान पवित्र है।

According to legends, this place is sacred.

'दंत-कथा' (legend/fable).

8

पायरिया के कारण उसके दाँत हिलने लगे हैं।

His teeth have started shaking due to Pyorrhea.

Medical term 'पायरिया'.

1

समय के क्रूर दाँतों ने सब कुछ नष्ट कर दिया।

The cruel teeth of time destroyed everything.

Metaphorical use of 'teeth' for time.

2

उसके दशनों की आभा बिजली की कौंध जैसी थी।

The luster of her teeth was like a flash of lightning.

Archaic/Poetic word 'दशन' for teeth.

3

राजनीति के दाँत बहुत गहरे होते हैं।

The 'teeth' (grip/impact) of politics are very deep.

Metaphorical usage.

4

उसने अपनी विद्वत्ता से विरोधियों के दाँत खट्टे कर दिए।

He humiliated/defeated his opponents with his scholarship.

Advanced idiomatic application.

5

दंत-पंक्ति की सुंदरता मुखमंडल की शोभा बढ़ाती है।

The beauty of the row of teeth enhances the grace of the face.

Sanskritized compound 'दंत-पंक्ति'.

6

क्या यह दंत-क्षय अनुवांशिक हो सकता है?

Can this tooth decay be hereditary?

Technical term 'दंत-क्षय' (caries/decay).

7

उसके व्यंग्य के दाँत बहुत तीखे थे।

The 'teeth' (sting) of his sarcasm were very sharp.

Metaphorical 'तीखे' (sharp).

8

उसने दाँत काटी रोटी का रिश्ता निभाया।

He maintained a very close/intimate friendship.

Rare idiom 'दाँत काटी रोटी' for close friendship.

Synonyms

दंत रदन दशन द्विज मुखक्षुर

Antonyms

पोपला निर्दंत

Common Collocations

दाँत साफ करना
दाँत मांजना
दाँत निकलना
दाँत तोड़ना
दाँत का दर्द
सफेद दाँत
मजबूत दाँत
दूध के दाँत
अक्ल दाढ़
दाँत लगवाना

Common Phrases

दाँत दिखाना
दाँत पीसना
दाँत किटकिटाना
दाँत गिरना
दाँतों का डॉक्टर
दाँतों की सफाई
दाँत में कीड़ा
दाँत का इनेमल
दाँत का डॉक्टर
दाँत का अस्पताल

Often Confused With

दाँत vs दाढ़ (Molar)

दाँत vs मसूड़ा (Gum)

दाँत vs दान (Donation - sounds similar)

Idioms & Expressions

"दाँत खट्टे करना (To defeat thoroughly)"
"दाँतों तले उँगली दबाना (To be amazed)"
"दाँत काटी रोटी (Close friendship)"
"दाँत पीसना (To be very angry)"
"हाथी के दाँत दिखाने के और... (Hypocrisy)"
"दान की बछिया के दाँत नहीं देखे जाते (Don't look a gift horse in the mouth)"
"दाँत दिखाना (To laugh mockingly)"
"लोहे के चने चबाना (To do a very difficult task)"
"दाँत गड़ाना (To set one's eyes on something)"
"पेट में दाँत होना (To be wicked/secretive)"

Easily Confused

दाँत vs दान

Means donation, no nasal 'ā'.

दाँत vs दाढ़

Specifically the back molar tooth.

दाँत vs दंत

Formal/Sanskrit version.

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

Formal vs Casual

Use 'Dant' for science, 'Dānt' for life.

Singular vs Plural

Context determines if it's one or many.

Common Mistakes
  • Using feminine gender.
  • Forgetting nasalization.
  • Using 'Dante' for plural.
  • Confusing 'Dānt' with 'Dān' (donation).
  • Using formal 'Dant' in casual chat.

Tips

Gender Check

Always say 'मेरा दाँत' not 'मेरी दाँत'.

Neem Power

Mentioning 'Neem Datun' is a great conversation starter with elders.

Specifics

Use 'दाढ़' if you are talking about the back teeth.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Dānt sounds like 'Dent' in Dentist. Your Dānt are what the Dentist fixes.

Word Origin

Sanskrit

Cultural Context

Traditional twig used as a toothbrush.

Used frequently in rural and urban settings to denote wisdom.

White, aligned teeth are highly valued in Bollywood and media.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपके दाँत में दर्द है?"

"आप कौन सा टूथपेस्ट इस्तेमाल करते हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी दातून का इस्तेमाल किया है?"

"बच्चों के दूध के दाँत कब गिरते हैं?"

"क्या आपको डेंटिस्ट के पास जाने से डर लगता है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने अपने दाँतों का ख्याल कैसे रखा?

बचपन में जब मेरा पहला दाँत टूटा था, तब क्या हुआ था?

एक ऐसी घटना लिखें जब आपने किसी के 'दाँत खट्टे' कर दिए हों।

दाँतों की सफाई क्यों ज़रूरी है?

अगर दाँत न होते तो हमारी ज़िंदगी कैसी होती?

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

It is masculine. You should always use masculine adjectives and verbs with it.

It is the same word 'दाँत'. The plural is only different in the oblique case ('दाँतों').

It is called 'अक्ल दाढ़' (Aql dāṛh).

It is an idiom meaning to defeat someone very badly.

It's not a full 'n'. It's a nasalization of the vowel 'ā'.

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

दाँत Nepali
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