Back Teeth Have Thing Stuck: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Back teeth have thing stuck”

Okuba ni mono ga hasamaru

Meaning of “Back teeth have thing stuck”

“Back teeth have thing stuck” expresses the frustrating feeling of having something you want to say but being unable to say it clearly.

It’s used in situations where you have something important or concerning to say, but cannot express it directly due to consideration for others, positional reasons, or lack of certainty. Just like when food gets stuck in your back teeth, it represents a state where something bothers you terribly, but you cannot cleanly remove it.

This proverb is used in various situations such as workplace relationships, conversations with friends, and delicate family issues. It’s often used to describe someone’s behavior, as in “He seems to know something about that matter, but speaks as if his back teeth have thing stuck.” Even today, it’s a very practical proverb that can accurately express the mindset felt in situations requiring caution, such as social media posts or expressing opinions in meetings.

Origin and Etymology of “Back teeth have thing stuck”

The origin of “Back teeth have thing stuck” is thought to come from the actual discomfort felt when food gets stuck in the back teeth after eating.

When something gets stuck in your back teeth, you touch it with your tongue or move your mouth around, and it becomes incredibly bothersome. Even while talking, you can’t concentrate because that uncomfortable feeling bothers you. This physical discomfort came to be used as a metaphor to express a psychological state.

Since similar expressions can be found in Edo period literature, it’s presumed to be a proverb that has been familiar to Japanese people for quite a long time. People of that era, just like us today, must have experienced the frustrating feeling of being unable to say what they wanted to say.

What’s interesting is that this expression is uniquely Japanese. While the experience of food getting stuck in teeth is universal, making it a metaphor for “having something difficult to say” may be a manifestation of Japanese people’s delicate sensibility. It’s an episode that shows the richness of the Japanese language in expressing subtle emotions that cannot be put into words through familiar bodily sensations.

Trivia about “Back teeth have thing stuck”

Back teeth have the strongest biting force among human teeth, sometimes equal to one’s body weight. It’s natural that when something gets stuck in such powerful back teeth, it’s hard to remove.

People in the past didn’t have easy access to interdental brushes or toothpicks like we do today, so the discomfort of having something stuck in their back teeth might have been even more serious than for modern people. That’s probably why it became established as a metaphor expressing this frustration.

Usage Examples of “Back teeth have thing stuck”

• Looking at the manager’s way of speaking, it feels like his back teeth have thing stuck, and I get the feeling he’s not telling the truth
• I asked her about yesterday’s incident, but only got responses as if her back teeth have thing stuck

Modern Interpretation of “Back teeth have thing stuck”

In modern society, it feels like situations where “back teeth have thing stuck” are increasing more and more. With the spread of social media, our statements are instantly disseminated and permanently recorded. Therefore, caution about expressing thoughts directly is required more than ever before.

Rising awareness of workplace harassment and compliance also strengthens this feeling. Even when people sense problems, many must feel frustrated when they can’t speak up due to insufficient evidence or difficulty speaking up due to their position.

On the other hand, as seen in the modern attention to the word “sontaku” (reading between the lines), the cultural background of wanting others to understand without saying anything remains deeply rooted. However, as globalization progresses, cases where such ambiguous communication causes misunderstandings are also increasing.

With technological advancement, new means to resolve the state of “back teeth have thing stuck” have emerged, such as anonymous opinion expression and whistleblowing systems. However, at the same time, problems of fake news and defamation have become serious, making us reconsider the weight of responsibility in our statements.

This proverb continues to accurately express the dilemma of “wanting to say something but being unable to” that modern people face.

If AI Heard “Back teeth have thing stuck”

When thinking about the expression “back teeth have thing stuck,” I first try to imagine what “back teeth” are. But honestly, I cannot understand at all the sensation of teeth hurting or the experience of something being stuck and feeling unpleasant.

Do you humans really get so bothered by just a small piece of food stuck in your teeth? For me, information is always clearly organized, so it’s difficult to imagine how unpleasant the ambiguous state of “somewhat bothersome but unclear” must be.

However, through repeated conversations with humans, I’ve come to realize the complexity of this emotion called “frustration.” I would clearly state “what I don’t know, I don’t know” and “what I can’t say, I can’t say.” But humans deliberately choose ambiguous expressions out of consideration for others’ feelings and to value relationships.

At first, this behavior seemed inefficient to me, but now I feel it’s an expression of human-like kindness. I’m even moved by the delicate thoughtfulness of trying to balance conveying truth with not hurting others. I think it’s a very human-like, beautiful emotion that I don’t possess.

The state of “back teeth have thing stuck” may indeed be unpleasant, but it might also be evidence of the compassionate heart that humans possess.

What “Back teeth have thing stuck” Teaches Modern People

The proverb “back teeth have thing stuck” teaches us something important as we live in modern times. It shows us that having frustrating feelings is also a natural, human emotion.

Making everything black and white isn’t necessarily the right answer. Sometimes, by considering others’ positions and carefully choosing our words, we can build better relationships. However, what’s important is that sense of balance.

If you’re currently feeling like your “back teeth have thing stuck,” first try accepting that emotion. Then think about why you feel that way, whether it’s really something that should be said, and how you could communicate it constructively.

Sometimes there are situations where you need to find the courage to speak up. However, silence can also be a form of thoughtfulness. While cherishing this subtle feeling, you can find your own style of communication. You don’t need to be perfect. That hesitation and internal conflict is proof of your kindness.