이빨
ippal[ip͈a̠ɭ]
The Korean word for teeth is 이빨 (ippal).
이빨 refers to the hard white structures in the mouth of an animal used for biting and chewing.
Which one should you use?
While 이빨 is common, the term 이 is the more polite and standard way to refer to human teeth.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
이빨 is an informal term. It can sound overly casual or even derogatory when used to refer to human teeth, whereas it is more naturally used when referring to animals.
How do you pronounce it?
ippal
Did you know?
- The root of the word 이빨 contains a Middle Korean component 발, which is a mystery to linguists as its original meaning remains unknown.
- Even though 이빨 is often used for animals, if you use it to describe a person's smile, you are often making a joke about them having a 'beastly' or 'predatory' appearance.
- In Korean-speaking dental contexts, a professional will strictly use 치아 or 이 to avoid any accidental offense to the patient.
Examples in context
- 매일 나는 일어나서 신께 기도하고 이빨을 닦는다.Every day, when I get up, I pray to God and brush my teeth.This sentence shows how to use 이빨 in the context of daily hygiene.Tatoeba #11106917 by intertime, translation #6358968 by Adelpa
- 이빨 하나가 아프다.One of my teeth hurts.This sentence uses 이빨 to describe dental pain.Tatoeba #11106475 by intertime, translation #250994 by CK
- 이빨에 뭔가 끼어있어.You've got something in your teeth.This sentence uses 이빨 to point out something stuck in the teeth.Tatoeba #8406172 by Eunhee, translation #5482200 by CK
- 마이크 선생님, 이를 닦았습니까?Mike, did you brush your teeth?
- 밥 먹고 이빨 좀 닦아야겠다.After eating, I should definitely brush my teeth.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are looking at a cute puppy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon강아지 이빨이 정말 하얗다!gang-aji ippari jeongmal hayata!The puppy's teeth are so white!
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 이빨이 아주 작고 귀여워요.majayo, ippari aju jakgo gwiyeowoyo.That's right, its teeth are very small and cute.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 저 강아지 이빨 좀 보세요.seoyeon ssi, jeo gang-aji ippal jom boseyo.Seoyeon, look at that puppy's teeth.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 깨끗해 보여요.jeongmal kkaekkeuthae boyeoyo.They look really clean.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 이빨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이빨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
