sai2 ngaa4洗牙
Jyutpingsai2 ngaa4
Yalesái ngàh
Definition
To get a dental cleaning; to scale and polish teeth to remove dental calculus and plaque.
colloquialhealthdaily actions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the professional dental procedure of removing plaque and tartar, rather than just brushing teeth at home. It is standard to use this term when discussing routine dental checkups or oral hygiene maintenance.
Examples
How long has it been since you last got your teeth cleaned?
I have an appointment with the dentist to get my teeth cleaned next week.
Related words
Common phrases
go for a dental cleaning
regular dental cleaning
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with brushing teeth, which is 刷牙. Using 洗牙 to describe your daily morning routine will sound as if you are visiting a dentist every single day.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
