Level 2

양치질

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '양치질' specifically means 'brushing teeth.' It is a noun formed from '양치' (teeth cleaning) and the suffix '질' which turns it into an action noun. Despite some confusion, it does not mean 'gargle' but strictly refers to the act of brushing teeth.

Common Contexts

You will hear '양치질' mostly in daily routines, health advice, or when talking about dental hygiene. It is a neutral term used in both casual and polite speech.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 양치질을 하다: to brush teeth (common verb phrase)
  • 양치질 후에: after brushing teeth
  • 양치질을 제대로 하다: to brush teeth properly

Tips for Learners

A common mistake is to confuse '양치질' with '가글' (gargle). Remember, '양치질' is brushing teeth, while '가글' means gargling. Use '양치질' when talking about cleaning teeth with a toothbrush.

Register

'양치질' is appropriate in everyday conversation and formal contexts when discussing dental care. It is not slang or overly formal.

Example Sentences

아침에 일어나자마자 양치질을 해요.

Achim-e il-eonajamaja yangchijil-eul haeyo.

I brush my teeth as soon as I wake up in the morning.

양치질을 제대로 하지 않으면 충치가 생길 수 있어요.

Yangchijil-eul jedaero haji anh-eumyeon chungchi-ga saenggil su isseoyo.

If you don't brush your teeth properly, you can get cavities.

양치질 후에는 입안을 물로 헹구세요.

Yangchijil hu-eneun ipan-eul mullo hengguseyo.

After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with water.