歯を磨きます
ha o migakimasu
The English phrase 'I brush my teeth' is translated into Japanese as 歯を磨きます (ha o migakimasu).
This phrase is used to describe the act of cleaning one's teeth with a toothbrush.
What does it mean word for word?
歯 (ha) means teeth, を (o) is an object marker that marks the teeth as the direct object of the action and 磨きます (migakimasu) is a verb that literally means to polish or to scrub.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
歯を磨きます is a polite way to say 'I brush my teeth,' making it suitable for use with strangers or in formal settings. In contrast, the form 歯を磨く is used in casual conversation with friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
ha o migakimasu
Did you know?
- Japanese schools often have a dedicated time for 歯磨き (hamigaki) where students brush their teeth collectively after lunch under teacher supervision.
- In some contexts, 磨く is used metaphorically to describe 'polishing' one's skills or personality, such as 心を磨く (polishing the heart).
- Japanese culture emphasizes the concept of 'mouth rinsing' (うがい, ugai) as a standard part of oral hygiene, often treated with as much importance as the actual brushing.
Examples in context
- 寝る前に歯を磨きます。I brush my teeth before going to bed.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase when describing a routine before bed.Tatoeba #155772 by small_snow, translation #11483805 by DJ_Saidez
- 歯を磨くよ。朝晩毎日やってるんだ。I brush my teeth. I do it every morning and evening.
- 毎日、歯を磨きます。I brush my teeth every day.
- 毎朝、歯を磨きます。maiasa, ha o migakimasu.I brush my teeth every morning.
- 洗面所で歯を磨きます。senmenjo de ha o migakimasu.I brush my teeth in the washroom.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are getting ready for bed.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、もう歯を磨きましたか？Hiroto-kun, mou ha o migakimashita ka?Hiroto, did you already brush your teeth?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ、今から歯を磨きます。Iie, ima kara ha o migakimasu.No, I will brush my teeth now.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、早く準備してください。Jaa, hayaku junbi shite kudasai.Then, please get ready quickly.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、わかりました。Hai, wakarimashita.Yes, I understand.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
