歯列矯正器
shiretsu kyōseiki[ɕiɾe̞t͡sɨ kʲo̞ːse̞ːkʲi]
歯列矯正器 (shiretsu kyōseiki) is the Japanese phrase for braces for teeth.
歯列矯正器 refers specifically to the dental appliance or device used to straighten or align the teeth. When discussing the general concept or the procedure of teeth straightening, you can also use 歯の矯正.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 歯列矯正器 is composed of 歯列 (shiretsu) meaning 'dentition' or 'row of teeth', 矯正 (kyōsei) meaning 'correction' and 器 (ki) meaning 'device' or 'instrument'.
Which one should you use?
歯列矯正器 refers to the physical object (the braces themselves), while 歯列矯正 is the formal term used for the process of tooth alignment correction. Additionally, 歯の矯正 is a common way to refer to the general procedure of teeth straightening.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the suffix -中 to 矯正 to form 矯正中, which expresses that someone is currently in the middle of undergoing orthodontic treatment.
How do you pronounce it?
shiretsu kyōseiki
Did you know?
- The term 矯正中 (kyōsei-chū) is frequently used as a polite excuse in Japan to explain why someone is eating slowly or avoiding certain foods during a meal.
- The kanji 器 (ki) in 歯列矯正器 shares its root with the word for 'talent' or 'capacity', 器量 (kiryō), suggesting a container or a vessel.
- While the phrase 歯列矯正器 describes the appliance, the Japanese word for 'braces' is often replaced by the English loanword ブレース (burēsu) in modern dental clinics and fashion magazines.
Examples in context
- 医師に歯列矯正の相談をしました。I consulted with a doctor about tooth alignment correction.
- 彼女は矯正器を付けています。She is wearing braces.
- 歯列矯正器をつけたいです。shirekyouseiki o tsuketaidesu.I want to get braces.
- 歯列矯正器は高いですか？shirekyouseiki wa takai desu ka?Are braces expensive?
- 兄は歯列矯正器をつけています。ani wa shirekyouseiki o tsukete imasu.My older brother is wearing braces.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about Yui's new dental treatment.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さん、口元が少し違いますね。Yui-san, kuchimoto ga sukoshi chigaimasu ne.Yui, your mouth looks a little different.
- 結衣 Yui実は、歯列矯正器をつけたんです。Jitsu wa, shiretsu kyōseiki o tsuketan desu.Actually, I got braces.
- 蓮 Renそうなんですね！痛くないですか？Sō nan desu ne! Itakunai desu ka?I see! Do they hurt?
- 結衣 Yui最初は少し痛かったですが、今は大丈夫です。Saisho wa sukoshi itakatta desu ga, ima wa daijōbu desu.It hurt a bit at first, but I'm okay now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 歯列矯正器, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
