Signification
To clean one's teeth with a brush.
Contexte culturel
It is very common to say 'lavarse los dientes' instead of 'cepillarse'. Both are understood, but 'lavarse' feels more natural in a home setting. The 'Ratón Pérez' is the cultural equivalent of the Tooth Fairy. Children are encouraged to brush their teeth so the mouse finds them clean and healthy. In many offices, people brush their teeth in the communal bathroom after lunch. It is not seen as too private; it's considered good manners. The term 'crema dental' is often used instead of 'pasta de dientes'.
The 'Me' Rule
Always remember the 'me' if you are doing it to yourself. 'Cepillo los dientes' sounds like you are a dentist cleaning someone else's teeth!
No 'Mis'
Avoid saying 'mis dientes'. It's a very common English-speaker mistake. The reflexive pronoun already tells us they are your teeth.
Signification
To clean one's teeth with a brush.
The 'Me' Rule
Always remember the 'me' if you are doing it to yourself. 'Cepillo los dientes' sounds like you are a dentist cleaning someone else's teeth!
No 'Mis'
Avoid saying 'mis dientes'. It's a very common English-speaker mistake. The reflexive pronoun already tells us they are your teeth.
Spain vs LatAm
If you are in Spain, use 'lavarse' to sound more local. In Mexico or Colombia, stick with 'cepillarse'.
The Office Brush
Don't be surprised to see people brushing their teeth in public restrooms after lunch; it's a sign of good hygiene, not weirdness!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun and article.
Yo ___ cepillo ___ dientes cada mañana.
For 'Yo', the pronoun is 'me', and we use the article 'los' for body parts.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in Spanish?
Select the natural way to say 'He brushes his teeth'.
Spanish uses the reflexive 'se' and the article 'los'.
Complete the dialogue.
Madre: ¿Ya te cepillaste los dientes? Hijo: No, mamá. ___ voy a cepillar ahora.
'Me' refers to the son, and 'los' refers to the teeth.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: A dentist giving advice.
This is a formal, general recommendation suitable for a professional.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Spanish vs English Structure
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo ___ cepillo ___ dientes cada mañana.
For 'Yo', the pronoun is 'me', and we use the article 'los' for body parts.
Select the natural way to say 'He brushes his teeth'.
Spanish uses the reflexive 'se' and the article 'los'.
Madre: ¿Ya te cepillaste los dientes? Hijo: No, mamá. ___ voy a cepillar ahora.
'Me' refers to the son, and 'los' refers to the teeth.
Context: A dentist giving advice.
This is a formal, general recommendation suitable for a professional.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, if the context is clear, you can just say 'Me voy a cepillar'. People will assume you mean your teeth or hair depending on where you are going.
No, you can also 'cepillarse el pelo' (brush your hair) or 'cepillar la ropa' (brush clothes).
Spanish grammar avoids possessives with body parts when the subject is the owner. The reflexive pronoun 'me' already establishes ownership.
It is 'un cepillo de dientes'.
Not at all! It's a very common synonym, especially in Spain.
You say 'Necesito cepillarme los dientes' or 'Me necesito cepillar los dientes'.
This is used in some regions like Mexico, but it implies a harder scrubbing motion.
Always 'los' (plural) because you have many teeth!
In Spain it's 'pasta de dientes', in many parts of LatAm it's 'crema dental'.
Yes: 'Me cepillé los dientes' (I brushed my teeth).
You can, but it sounds less natural for the daily routine than 'cepillar'.
It is 'hilo dental'.
Say '¡Cepíllate los dientes!'
It is neutral and can be used in any situation.
Expressions liées
Lavarse los dientes
synonymTo wash one's teeth.
Usar hilo dental
builds onTo use dental floss.
Enjuagarse la boca
similarTo rinse one's mouth.
Cepillarse el pelo
similarTo brush one's hair.
Tener una caries
contrastTo have a cavity.
Pasta de dientes
specialized formToothpaste.
