Common Meanings
1
yá牙
When pronounced yá, 牙 primarily refers to teeth. Historically, it specifically meant large teeth, but now it is a general term for all teeth (牙齿). It's used in compounds like 'dental plaque' (牙垢), 'gums' (牙龈), and 'gritty' (牙碜).
你需要每天刷牙，以免产生牙垢。
You need to brush your teeth every day to avoid dental plaque.
Something shaped like a tooth, often referring to a projection or side piece, such as the runner or side of a drawer.
这个抽屉牙子坏了，得修一下
This drawer runner is broken; it needs to be repaired.
Refers specifically to ivory, especially elephant tusk, as in 'ivory carving'.
这件牙雕作品非常精美。
This ivory carving is exquisite.
An old term for a person who mediates transactions and profits from them; a broker or middleman.
他以前在码头做牙行生意，帮人牵线买卖货物。
He used to run a brokerage business at the dock, helping people facilitate the buying and selling of goods.