치약
chiyak[t͡ɕʰija̠k̚]
The Korean word for toothpaste is 치약 (chiyak).
치약 is the most common word used for toothpaste.
Meaning: paste for cleaning the teeth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 치 (tooth) and 약 (medicine).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is chiyak.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'brush your teeth', a Korean speaker might say 이를 닦다, which uses the verb 'to wipe' or 'to scrub' instead of 'to brush'.
- Because 약 means 'medicine', the word 치약 literally translates to 'tooth medicine'. This reflects a historical view of oral hygiene as a form of medical treatment rather than just grooming.
- In Korean, many people refer to the act of using toothpaste as 양치 (yang-chi), a shortened form that focuses on the process of cleaning the mouth.
Examples in context
- 치약으로 이를 닦아라!Brush your teeth with toothpaste!
- 내일 마트에서 치약을 사야 해.I have to buy toothpaste at the mart tomorrow.
- 친구에게 치약을 선물했어요.I gave toothpaste as a gift to my friend.
- 치약을 새로 사야 해요.chiyageul saero sa-ya haeyo.I need to buy new toothpaste.
- 이 치약은 맛이 시원해요.i chiyageun masi siwonhaeyo.This toothpaste tastes refreshing.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are in the bathroom at home.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 치약이 다 떨어졌어요.Minji ssi, chiyagi da tteoreojyeosseoyo.Minji, the toothpaste has run out.
- 민지 Min-ji어머, 제가 사 올게요.Eomeo, jega sa olgeyo.Oh, I will go buy some.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요, 부탁할게요.Gomawoyo, butakhalgeyo.Thank you, please do.
- 민지 Min-ji다른 것도 필요한 거 있어요?Dareun geotdo piryohan geo isseoyo?Is there anything else you need?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toothpaste” translations and entries 치약, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
