dientes

/dee-EN-tehs/

teeth

Dientes refers to the physical structures used for chewing, commonly known as teeth.

dientes(Noun)

mA1

teeth

plural form of 'diente'

Also:

choppers

informal term for teeth

📝 In Action

Tienes que cepillarte los dientes dos veces al día.

You have to brush your teeth twice a day.

El bebé ya tiene sus primeros dientes.

The baby already has his first teeth.

Necesito ir al dentista para revisar mis dientes.

I need to go to the dentist to check my teeth.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

cepillarse los dientes – to brush one's teeth
dolor de dientes – toothache
blanquear los dientes – to whiten one's teeth

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Plural

Even though it refers to something you have many of, the word 'dientes' is always masculine (el diente), so it uses 'los' (los dientes) and not 'las'.

Possession Trap

Unlike English, Spanish usually avoids using possessive words ('my,' 'your') for body parts; instead, use 'el,' 'la,' 'los,' or 'las.' (e.g., 'Me lavo los dientes' means 'I wash my teeth').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Mis'

Mistake: "Voy a cepillar mis dientes."

Correction: Voy a cepillarme los dientes. The reflexive verb already tells us they are your teeth, so the article 'los' is enough.

⭐ Usage Tips

Singular Form

The singular form is 'diente' (one tooth). You will almost always hear it in the plural form 'dientes'.

A simple illustration of a cartoon fox snarling fiercely, baring its sharp teeth in a clear display of aggression.

Figuratively, dientes can refer to fierceness or aggressiveness, often used when someone is showing their "teeth" metaphorically.

dientes(Noun)

mB2

aggressiveness

figurative sense, usually in idioms

Also:

cogs/teeth

for tools or machinery parts

📝 In Action

Si lo desafías, tienes que estar listo para mostrar los dientes.

If you challenge him, you have to be ready to show some fight (or push back aggressively).

La sierra de mano tiene unos dientes muy afilados.

The handsaw has very sharp teeth (i.e., its cutting parts).

Word Connections

Synonyms

agresividad (aggressiveness)

Idioms & Expressions

mostrar los dientes – to show a fighting spirit, to threaten, or to become defensive
con los dientes apretados – reluctantly, holding back frustration, or with great effort
diente por diente – an eye for an eye, tit for tat

⭐ Usage Tips

Beyond the Mouth

This word is also used for the small, sharp points on tools or machines, like the edge of a saw, the spikes on a rake, or the cogs of a gear wheel.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: dientes

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly follows the Spanish rule for talking about taking care of your teeth?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

diente(tooth (singular)) - noun

dentista(dentist) - noun

dental(dental) - adjective

dentadura(set of teeth/dentures) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'dientes' masculine or feminine?

'Dientes' is always masculine (los dientes), even though body parts in Spanish can be unpredictable. Remember 'el diente' for the singular form.

How do I say 'wisdom teeth'?

You say 'las muelas del juicio.' The word 'muelas' means molars (back teeth), and 'juicio' means judgment or wisdom.