치아교정기
chia gyojeonggi
The English phrase "braces" (referring to the device for straightening teeth) is translated into Korean as 치아교정기 (chia gyojeonggi).
If you want to describe the state of someone actually wearing braces or being in the middle of orthodontic treatment, you would use the phrase 교정 중.
Meaning: device for straightening teeth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 치아교정기 is a combination of three parts: 치아 meaning tooth, 교정 meaning correction and 기 meaning device or machine.
How do you pronounce it?
chia gyojeonggi
Did you know?
- The word 교정 (gyojeong) is also the specific term used for 'editing' or 'proofreading' a manuscript in Korean.
- Korean has a specific word, 덧니, for the 'snaggletooth' or crowded tooth that often leads someone to get 치아교정기. Many people view 덧니 as a cute charm, even while seeking to correct it.
- In Korea, the desire for 교정 is often driven by the cultural value of 'symmetry', which is seen as a key component of beauty and professionalism in a face.
Examples in context
- 어제 치과에 가서 교정기를 받았어요.I got braces at the dentist yesterday.
- 치아교정기를 착용하고 있어요.chi-a-gyo-jeong-gi-reul chak-yong-ha-go iss-eo-yo.I am wearing braces.
- 치아교정기 때문에 음식을 먹기 힘들어요.chi-a-gyo-jeong-gi ttae-mun-e eum-sik-eul meok-gi him-deul-eo-yo.It is hard to eat food because of my braces.
- 어렸을 때 치아교정기를 했어요.eo-ryeot-seul ttae chi-a-gyo-jeong-gi-reul hae-sseo-yo.I had braces when I was young.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Seo-yeon are talking about their dental visits.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 치아교정기 꼈어요?Seoyeon ssi, chia-gyojeonggi kkyeosseoyo?Seo-yeon, did you get braces?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 지난주에 치아교정기를 했어요.ne, jinanju-e chia-gyojeonggireul haesseoyo.Yes, I got braces last week.
- 지훈 Ji-hun많이 아프지 않아요?manhi apeuji anayo?Doesn't it hurt a lot?
- 서연 Seo-yeon처음에는 조금 아팠어요.cheoeum-eneun jogeum apasseoyo.It hurt a bit at first.
