歯を磨く
ha o migaku
To brush teeth in Japanese is 歯を磨く (ha o migaku).
The phrase is used to describe the action of cleaning teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste.
What does it mean word for word?
歯 (ha) means tooth or teeth. The particle を (o) is an object marker that marks the teeth as the direct object of the action. The verb 磨く (migaku) literally means to polish, shine or scrub.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The dictionary form 歯を磨く is used in casual speech or when writing. For standard polite conversation, use 歯を磨きます. The form 歯を磨いてる is an informal way to express the progressive tense.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone is currently brushing their teeth, use the continuous form 歯を磨いています. To indicate that you have finished the action, use the past tense 歯を磨きました.
How do you pronounce it?
ha o migaku
Did you know?
- In Japanese schools, students typically brush their teeth collectively in the classroom after lunch. This is a structured social activity rather than a private habit.
- The verb 磨く (migaku) is used not only for teeth and shoes but also to describe 'polishing' one's character or refining a skill. This suggests that improving oneself is viewed as a process of removing impurities to reveal a shine.
- In Japanese, the noun for toothbrush is 歯ブラシ (haburashi), which is a hybrid word combining the native Japanese word for tooth 歯 (ha) and the English word 'brush'.
Examples in context
- 寝る前に歯を磨く。Neru mae ni ha o migaku.I brush my teeth before going to bed.
- 毎朝、必ず歯を磨く。Maiasa, kanarazu ha o migaku.I always brush my teeth every morning.
- 子供は自分で歯を磨くことができます。Kodomo wa jibun de ha o migaku koto ga dekimasu.Children can brush their teeth by themselves.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are getting ready for bed.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、もう歯を磨いた？Yui, mō ha o migaita?Yui, did you brush your teeth already?
- 結衣 Yuiまだだよ。今から行くね。Mada da yo. Ima kara iku ne.Not yet. I'm going now.
- 蓮 Ren僕も今から歯を磨くよ。Boku mo ima kara ha o migaku yo.I'm going to brush my teeth now too.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、一緒に洗面所に行こう。Un, issho ni senmenjo ni ikō.Yeah, let's go to the bathroom together.
