Definition
刷牙 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to brush one's teeth'. The verb 刷 and the object 牙 can be split when adding measure words, complements, or duration: e.g., 刷了三次牙 ('brushed teeth three times'), 刷完牙 ('finish brushing teeth'). You cannot put a direct object after 刷牙; instead, the splitting pattern is used.
v.o.
to brush one's teeth
Examples
- 刷牙。Měitiān zǎoshang wǒ dōu yào shuā yá.I brush my teeth every morning.
- 。Tā shuā le liǎng cì yá cái chūmén.He brushed his teeth twice before going out.
- 。Jìde shuā wán yá zài shuìjiào.Remember to finish brushing your teeth before sleeping.
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