歯磨き粉
hamigakiko[ha̠mʲiɡa̠kʲi̥ko̞]
The English phrase toothpaste is translated into Japanese as 歯磨き粉 (hamigakiko). If unsure, use 歯磨き粉. Wiktionary also lists 練り歯磨き (nerihamigaki) and 歯磨剤 (shimazai).
Meaning: paste for cleaning the teeth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 歯磨き粉 | hamigakiko | [ha̠mʲiɡa̠kʲi̥ko̞] (narrow) |
| 練り歯磨き | nerihamigaki | [ne̞ɾʲiha̠mʲiɡa̠kʲi] (narrow) |
| 歯磨剤 | shimazai | [ɕima̠za̠i] (narrow) |
The Japanese language has several ways to refer to toothpaste depending on whether you are speaking generally, specifying the texture or using technical language.
What does it mean word for word?
The standard term 歯磨き粉 is composed of 歯 (tooth), 磨き (brushing or polishing) and 粉 (powder).
Which one should you use?
While 歯磨き粉 literally means "tooth brushing powder," it is the standard everyday term used for both powder and paste forms of toothpaste. To specifically distinguish a paste-type toothpaste from a powder-type, you can use 練り歯磨き.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
歯磨き粉 is the standard term for daily use. For a more informal way to say toothpaste, you can use 歯磨き. In medical, pharmaceutical or industrial contexts, the formal or technical term 歯磨剤 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
hamigakiko
Did you know?
- Historically, before 歯磨き粉 existed, Japanese people used 塩 (salt) and a small brush to clean their teeth, a practice that influenced early dental hygiene customs.
- In Japan, some traditional toothpastes are formulated with 緑茶 (green tea) or 柚子 (yuzu) to provide a distinct cultural flavor profile unlike standard Western mint.
- The term 練り in 練り歯磨き refers to a specific culinary technique of kneading or grinding ingredients into a thick paste, a concept used in both food and medicine.
Examples in context
- 歯磨き粉はどこにありますか？Where's the toothpaste?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of 歯磨き粉.Tatoeba #468277 by Namikaze, translation #263637 by CK
- 最近、歯磨き粉ってどれ使ってる？Which toothpaste have you been using lately?This sentence is useful for asking which brand or type of 歯磨き粉 someone is using.Tatoeba #12816959 by small_snow, translation #12808576 by sundown
- それ歯磨き粉じゃなくて洗顔フォームだよ！It's not a toothpaste, it's a face-cleansing foam!This sentence is useful for clarifying that a product is face-cleansing foam rather than 歯磨き粉.Tatoeba #2951463 by tommy_san, translation #3107481 by andreesurya
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are getting ready in the bathroom.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、歯磨き粉がもうないよ。Misaki, hamigakiko ga mou nai yo.Misaki, we're out of toothpaste.
- 美咲 Misaki本当？買い忘れてたみたい。Hontou? Kaiwasurete ta mitai.Really? Looks like I forgot to buy some.
- 健太 Kenta今日はコンビニで買ってくるね。Kyou wa konbini de katte kuru ne.I'll go buy some at the convenience store today.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、健太。お願いね。Arigatou, Kenta. Onegai ne.Thanks, Kenta. Please do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toothpaste” translations and entries 歯磨き粉, 練り歯磨き, 歯磨剤, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
