Definition
咬牙 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to clench or grind one's teeth'. It can be split when adding a measure word or complement — for example, 咬了一下牙 ('clenched teeth once'). Figuratively, it describes gritting one's teeth to endure hardship (咬牙坚持). The literal sense covers clenching in pain, anger, or determination, while 咬牙 also refers to grinding teeth during sleep.
v.o.
to clench one's teeth (in pain, determination, or anger)to grind one's teeth (in sleep)
Examples
- 咬牙。Tā téng de zhí yǎo yá.He was in so much pain he kept clenching his teeth.
- ，。Tā yǎo le yí xià yá, jìxù wǎng qián zǒu.He clenched his teeth once and continued walking.
- ，咬牙。Wèile chénggōng, tā yǎo yá jiānchí le xiàlai.To succeed, he gritted his teeth and persevered.
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