刷牙
shuā yá HSK 3

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我早上刷牙。
Wǒ zǎoshang shuāyá.
I brush my teeth in the morning.
他刷牙很认真。
Tā shuāyá hěn rènzhēn.
He brushes his teeth very carefully.
刷牙后很舒服。
Shuāyá hòu hěn shūfu.
It feels very comfortable after brushing teeth.
我每天刷牙。
Wǒ měitiān shuāyá.
I brush my teeth every day.
他刷牙很认真。
Tā shuāyá hěn rènzhēn.
He brushes his teeth very carefully.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: '刷' (shuā) means 'to brush' (like a brush stroke), and '牙' (yá) means 'teeth.' Visualize brushing your teeth to link the action to the word.

📝 Usage Notes

This is a neutral, everyday word used in both spoken and written Chinese across formal and informal contexts. It is most commonly used when discussing daily routines, health habits, or giving instructions.

📖 Grammar Points

As a separable verb, it can split: e.g., '刷三次牙' (brush teeth three times). The object '牙' (teeth) typically follows the verb and its modifiers. Negation often uses '没': '我没刷牙' (I didn't brush my teeth).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Brushing teeth is a standard part of daily routine in Chinese culture, often emphasized in the morning and before bed. Public oral hygiene (like rinsing) is less common than in some cultures.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to '洗脸' (to wash face) as another daily hygiene verb. Differs from '漱口' (to rinse mouth), which is a related but distinct action often done after brushing.

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