Meaning
Describing dental hygiene.
Cultural Background
Latvians have a traditional belief that strong teeth are a sign of a strong spirit. In folklore, heroes often have 'iron teeth'. The use of herbal rinses like oak bark (ozola miza) is still common in rural Latvia to keep teeth and gums healthy. Dental tourism is growing in Riga, as high-quality 'tīri zobi' are achieved at lower costs than in Western Europe. Health education in schools often features a character called 'Zobiņš' (Little Tooth) who teaches kids about hygiene.
Adjective Agreement
Always remember that 'zobi' is plural. Even if you are talking about your own mouth, use 'tīri', not 'tīrs'.
Action vs State
Don't say 'I am clean teeth'. Say 'I have clean teeth' (Man ir tīri zobi).
Meaning
Describing dental hygiene.
Adjective Agreement
Always remember that 'zobi' is plural. Even if you are talking about your own mouth, use 'tīri', not 'tīrs'.
Action vs State
Don't say 'I am clean teeth'. Say 'I have clean teeth' (Man ir tīri zobi).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing adjective in the correct form.
Man ir ______ zobi. (clean)
'Zobi' is masculine plural, so the adjective must be 'tīri'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct way to say 'I want clean teeth'.
The verb 'gribēt' requires the accusative case: 'tīrus zobus'.
Match the Latvian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching basic dental vocabulary.
Complete the dialogue.
Mamma: Vai tev ir ______? Bērns: Jā, es tos tikko iztīrīju!
The context of 'iztīrīju' (cleaned/brushed) implies teeth.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dental Hygiene Kit
Tools
- • Zobu birste
- • Zobu diegs
- • Mutes skalojamais
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMan ir ______ zobi. (clean)
'Zobi' is masculine plural, so the adjective must be 'tīri'.
Select the correct way to say 'I want clean teeth'.
The verb 'gribēt' requires the accusative case: 'tīrus zobus'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching basic dental vocabulary.
Mamma: Vai tev ir ______? Bērns: Jā, es tos tikko iztīrīju!
The context of 'iztīrīju' (cleaned/brushed) implies teeth.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, 'tīrs' can mean pure, but in the context of 'zobi', it specifically means clean/hygienic.
Yes, if they are white. But 'tīri zobi' is better if you just want to say they are brushed.
Say 'Man sāp zobs'. It's the opposite of the 'tīri zobi' feeling!
Related Phrases
Tīrīt zobus
specialized formTo brush/clean teeth
Zobu sāpes
contrastToothache
Sniegbalts smaids
similarSnow-white smile
