Signification
Cleaning one's teeth
Contexte culturel
Brushing teeth is almost always done during the twice-daily 'mandi' (bath). Most Indonesians do not brush their teeth in the kitchen sink; it is strictly a bathroom activity. Many primary schools have a 'UKGS' (Usaha Kesehatan Gigi Sekolah) program where students are taught to brush their teeth together in the morning. Many Indonesians follow the practice of cleaning their teeth before prayer, often using a 'siwak' or just a regular toothbrush, as cleanliness is a part of faith. The brand 'Pepsodent' has run a very successful 'Sikat Gigi Malam' (Night Brushing) campaign for decades, making it a household phrase.
Drop the prefix
In 90% of daily conversations, just say 'gosok gigi' instead of 'menggosok gigi'.
Avoid 'Cuci'
Never say 'cuci gigi'. It sounds very strange to Indonesians.
Signification
Cleaning one's teeth
Drop the prefix
In 90% of daily conversations, just say 'gosok gigi' instead of 'menggosok gigi'.
Avoid 'Cuci'
Never say 'cuci gigi'. It sounds very strange to Indonesians.
Use 'Sikat' for the tool
If you need to buy a toothbrush, ask for 'sikat gigi', not 'gosok gigi'.
The Mandi Connection
If you are staying with an Indonesian family, they will expect you to brush your teeth whenever you take a bath (mandi).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'teeth'.
Saya sedang gosok ____.
'Gigi' means teeth. 'Muka' is face, 'tangan' is hand, and 'kaki' is foot.
Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'brush teeth' in Indonesian?
Pilih jawaban yang benar:
'Gosok gigi' is the standard collocation. 'Cuci gigi' is a common mistake for learners.
Complete the dialogue.
Ibu: 'Budi, jangan lupa ____ sebelum tidur.' Budi: 'Iya, Bu. Aku sudah ambil sikat gigi.'
The context of 'sikat gigi' (toothbrush) makes 'gosok gigi' the only logical answer.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situasi: Anda berada di dokter gigi.
This is a common thing to tell a dentist during a check-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gosok vs Cuci
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSaya sedang gosok ____.
'Gigi' means teeth. 'Muka' is face, 'tangan' is hand, and 'kaki' is foot.
Pilih jawaban yang benar:
'Gosok gigi' is the standard collocation. 'Cuci gigi' is a common mistake for learners.
Ibu: 'Budi, jangan lupa ____ sebelum tidur.' Budi: 'Iya, Bu. Aku sudah ambil sikat gigi.'
The context of 'sikat gigi' (toothbrush) makes 'gosok gigi' the only logical answer.
Situasi: Anda berada di dokter gigi.
This is a common thing to tell a dentist during a check-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. Adding the prefix 'menggosok gigi' makes it formal.
Yes, 'sikat gigi' is a very common synonym for the action.
It's a historical linguistic preference that describes the physical motion of cleaning.
Usually no. 'Gosok gigi' implies you are brushing your own teeth unless stated otherwise.
It is 'pasta gigi', or informally 'odol'.
Say 'Saya lupa gosok gigi'.
Not really, but in Jakarta you might hear 'Sikat gigi dulu ya'.
Sikat gigi elektrik.
Saying 'cuci gigi' (wash teeth).
It's less common than morning/night, but some office workers do.
Ask 'Ada sikat gigi?'.
Just remember the 'ng' sound is like in 'singing'.
Expressions liées
Sikat gigi
similarToothbrush / To brush teeth
Pasta gigi
builds onToothpaste
Cuci muka
similarTo wash one's face
Berkumur
specialized formTo rinse/gargle
Sakit gigi
contrastToothache
