Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 歯列矯正器 | shiretsu kyōseiki | [ɕiɾe̞t͡sɨ kʲo̞ːse̞ːkʲi] (narrow) |
| ブレース | burēsu |
The term refers to the device used for straightening teeth. Beyond the noun for the device itself, you may hear Japanese speakers use 矯正中 (kyōseichū) to describe the state of being 'undergoing orthodontic treatment' or 'wearing braces'. Additionally, the phrase 歯列矯正 (shiretsu kyōsei) is used to discuss the process of correcting tooth alignment.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 歯列矯正器 can be broken down into its constituent parts: 歯 (teeth), 列 (row or alignment), 矯正 (correction) and 器 (device or instrument), which together literally mean 'teeth alignment device'.
Which one should you use?
歯列矯正器 is the technical and formal term typically used by dentists or in medical contexts. In contrast, ブレース (burēsu) is the katakana transliteration of the English word 'braces'.
How do you pronounce it?
shiretsu kyōseiki
Did you know?
- If you are describing the physical sensation of wearing braces, you might use the word 違和感 (iwakan), which means a 'sense of something being wrong' or 'unnatural'.
- The word 矯正 (kyōsei) is used in many contexts beyond dentistry, such as in 'rehabilitation' or 'correction' of behavior. This means the same word used for braces can also imply a 'tightening' or 'disciplining' of one's character.
- While 'braces' in English can refer to suspenders, the Japanese term ブレース is almost exclusively used for medical or technical orthopedic devices. Using it to describe clothing would likely cause confusion.
Examples in context
- 私は歯列矯正装置を付けています。I have braces.
- ブラケットが痛いときは、矯正器具に問題があるかもしれません。If your brackets hurt, there may be an issue with your braces.
- 歯列矯正器は高いですね。Shireikyōki wa takai desu ne.Braces are expensive, aren't they?
- 妹は歯列矯正器をつけています。Imōto wa shireikyōki o tsukete imasu.My younger sister is wearing braces.
- いつ歯列矯正器を外せますか？Itsu shireikyōki o hazusemasu ka?When can I have my braces removed?
Example conversation
Youta and Himari are talking about dental care.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、歯列矯正器をつけたの？Himari, shiretsu kyouseiki o tsuketa no?Himari, did you get braces?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、先週からつけているよ。Un, senshuu kara tsukete iru yo.Yes, I've been wearing them since last week.
- 陽太 Yota口の中が痛くない？Kuchi no naka ga itakunai?Does the inside of your mouth hurt?
- 陽葵 Himari最初は痛かったけど、今は慣れたよ。Saisho wa itakatta kedo, ima wa nareta yo.It hurt at first, but I'm used to it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “braces” translations and entries 歯列矯正器, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
