Meaning
Daily dental hygiene.
Cultural Background
In Slovak schools, there are often 'dental days' where children are taught the correct way to brush their teeth by visiting professionals. There is a strong preference for 'hard' or 'medium' toothbrushes in older generations, though dentists now push for 'soft' (mäkká) brushes. Electric toothbrushes (elektrické kefky) are becoming a status symbol and a common gift for Christmas. Older people might still use traditional herbal rinses (like sage/šalvia) alongside brushing.
The 'Si' Rule
Always remember 'si'. If you say 'Čistím zuby', people will wonder whose teeth you are cleaning!
Don't say 'moje'
Avoid saying 'čistím moje zuby'. It's a classic English-speaker mistake. The 'si' does all the work.
Meaning
Daily dental hygiene.
The 'Si' Rule
Always remember 'si'. If you say 'Čistím zuby', people will wonder whose teeth you are cleaning!
Don't say 'moje'
Avoid saying 'čistím moje zuby'. It's a classic English-speaker mistake. The 'si' does all the work.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'vyčistiť' when you want to emphasize that the job is done. 'Už som si vyčistil zuby' sounds very natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Ja ___ čistím zuby každé ráno.
The dative reflexive 'si' is required for 'čistiť zuby'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'They are brushing their teeth'?
You need the 3rd person plural 'čistia' and the reflexive 'si'.
Complete the dialogue.
Mama: 'Peter, poď sem!' Peter: 'Moment, ešte si ______ zuby.'
Peter is talking about himself, so he uses the 1st person singular.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the dentist and he asks about your routine.
This directly answers a question about your hygiene routine.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dental Hygiene Kit
Tools
- • zubná kefka
- • dentálna niť
- • medzizubná kefka
Actions
- • čistiť si
- • vyplachovať si
- • drhnúť si
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJa ___ čistím zuby každé ráno.
The dative reflexive 'si' is required for 'čistiť zuby'.
How do you say 'They are brushing their teeth'?
You need the 3rd person plural 'čistia' and the reflexive 'si'.
Mama: 'Peter, poď sem!' Peter: 'Moment, ešte si ______ zuby.'
Peter is talking about himself, so he uses the 1st person singular.
You are at the dentist and he asks about your routine.
This directly answers a question about your hygiene routine.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is very common and perfectly understood, though 'čistiť' is more standard in formal contexts.
Because you are doing the action *to* a part of yourself (dative), not doing the action *to* your whole self (accusative).
If the context is clear, you can just say 'Idem si ich vyčistiť' (I'm going to clean them).
No, for the house use 'upratovať'. 'Čistiť' is for specific items like teeth, shoes, or a stain.
Čistím si zuby zubnou kefkou.
Related Phrases
zubná kefka
similartoothbrush
zubná pasta
similartoothpaste
vyčistiť si zuby
specialized formto finish brushing teeth
dentálna niť
builds ondental floss
