Definition
剔牙 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to pick one's teeth'. The verb 剔 and the object 牙 can be separated when adding aspect markers, measure words, or durations, e.g. 剔了牙 ('picked teeth'), 剔一下牙 ('pick teeth a bit'). It is commonly used after meals.
v.o.
to pick one's teeth (after eating)
Examples
- 剔牙。Fàn hòu jìde tī yá.Remember to pick your teeth after meals.
- 。Tā chī wán fàn tī le yá cái chūmén.He picked his teeth after eating before going out.
- ，。Nǐ zuìhǎo tī yíxià yá, yǒu cài yè.You'd better pick your teeth a bit, there's a vegetable leaf.
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