What does 歯向かう mean in Japanese?

歯向かう (はむかう) means oppose; stand up to.

Is 歯向かう a common Japanese word?

歯向かう is part of our Extra high-frequency vocabulary list, beyond the JLPT N5–N1 word lists.

Extra Vocabulary

歯向かう[はむかう] (hamukau)

oppose; stand up to

Extra
Pitch 3

Flashcards

Meaning

歯向かう (はむかう, hamukau) is a bonus vocabulary word meaning “oppose; stand up to”.

Kanji in this word

歯 tooth 向 yonder

Example sentences 2

彼かれは先生せんせいに歯向はむかった

He defied the teacher.

風がくるといつでもね、家という家の門前に掲げられた赤・白・青の旗が歯向かうようにばさばさばさばさいってたっけ。

and whenever this happened the red, white, and blue banners in front of all the houses stretched out stiff and said TUT-TUT-TUT-TUT, in a disapproving way.