Signification
The act of cleaning one's teeth.
Contexte culturel
The 'Suukool' program is a nationwide initiative that has made 'hambapesu' a topic of national pride and education. The story of 'Sööbik ja Pisik' (Karius and Baktus) is universally known by Estonians and is the primary motivator for children to wash their teeth. There is a strong cultural emphasis on '2x2' (2 minutes, 2 times a day), which is a common health standard across the region. In Estonian schools, it's common for younger children to have 'hambapesu' charts where they get stickers for washing their teeth.
Skip the pronoun
Don't say 'minu hambaid'. It's much more natural to just say 'hambaid'.
Partitive is key
Always use 'hambaid' (ending in -id) for the routine action. 'Hambad' is for specific, finished results.
Signification
The act of cleaning one's teeth.
Skip the pronoun
Don't say 'minu hambaid'. It's much more natural to just say 'hambaid'.
Partitive is key
Always use 'hambaid' (ending in -id) for the routine action. 'Hambad' is for specific, finished results.
Use 'ära'
Adding 'ära' (Ma pesen hambad ära) makes it sound like you are finishing the task before doing something else.
Sööbik ja Pisik
Mentioning these characters to an Estonian will immediately show you know their culture!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'hambaid'.
Ma pesen igal hommikul ______.
The partitive plural 'hambaid' is used for the routine action of washing teeth.
Which verb is most natural for cleaning teeth in Estonian?
Laps ______ hambaid.
'Peseb' (washes) is the standard collocation for teeth in Estonian.
Complete the dialogue.
Ema: 'Kas sa pesid hambaid?' Laps: 'Ei, ma ______.'
'I am washing right now' is a logical response to the question.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the dentist and they ask about your habits.
This is the most relevant answer for a dental check-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hygiene Verbs
Pesema
- • hambaid
- • käsi
- • nagu
- • juukseid
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMa pesen igal hommikul ______.
The partitive plural 'hambaid' is used for the routine action of washing teeth.
Laps ______ hambaid.
'Peseb' (washes) is the standard collocation for teeth in Estonian.
Ema: 'Kas sa pesid hambaid?' Laps: 'Ei, ma ______.'
'I am washing right now' is a logical response to the question.
You are at the dentist and they ask about your habits.
This is the most relevant answer for a dental check-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but it sounds more like a translation from English. 'Pesema' is the standard way.
Because washing is an ongoing/habitual action, which requires the partitive case in Estonian.
No, it is implied that you are washing your own teeth.
Yes, it's the noun form used in health tips and schedules.
It is 'hambahari'.
It is 'hambapasta'.
It is neutral and can be used in any setting.
It's the Estonian health rule: wash 2 times a day for 2 minutes.
Yes, 'Ma pesen koera hambaid'.
Then you would say 'Ma pesen hammast', but that's very rare!
Yes: 'käsi pesema' (wash hands), 'nagu pesema' (wash face).
It means 'tooth hole' or cavity.
Expressions liées
hambaid harjama
similarto brush teeth
hambapesu
builds onthe act of tooth-brushing
hambaid näitama
contrastto show teeth / to be aggressive
suud loputama
similarto rinse the mouth
hambaniiti kasutama
builds onto use dental floss
