French Phrase
Tu te brosses les dents ?
Meaning
Literally, 'You brush your teeth?' It is a straightforward way to ask someone if they are currently brushing their teeth or if they have the habit of brushing them.
When to use
Use this question when you want to check someone's oral‑hygiene routine, remind a child to brush, or simply make small talk about daily habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tutebrosseslesdents?
Reflexive Pronoun (te)
The pronoun 'te' indicates that the subject is performing the action on himself/herself; it must match the subject 'tu'.
Verb Conjugation (brosses)
The verb 'brosser' is conjugated in the present tense for 'tu' as 'brosses' (add -es).
Article Agreement (les dents)
The noun 'dents' is plural, so it takes the plural definite article 'les'.
Question Form
In spoken French, a rising intonation turns a statement into a question; written form can also use 'Est‑ce que' or inversion.
🗨In Conversation
Tu te brosses les dents ?
Do you brush your teeth?
Oui, deux fois par jour, comme le dentiste le recommande.
Yes, twice a day, as the dentist recommends.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu brosses les dents ?
The reflexive pronoun is required; omitting it changes the meaning to 'You brush the teeth'.
Tu te brosse les dents ?
The verb must agree with the subject 'tu'; 'brosse' is the 1st/3rd person singular form.
Tu te brosses la dents ?
If you refer to a single tooth, use 'la dent'; otherwise keep the plural.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que tu te brosses les dents ?
Do you brush your teeth?
Tu te brosses les dents régulièrement ?
Do you brush your teeth regularly?
Tu te brosses les dents chaque matin et soir ?
Do you brush your teeth every morning and night?
Cultural Tip
In France, dental health is taken seriously; most people brush at least twice a day. Asking about someone's brushing habit can be a friendly reminder, especially for children. Be mindful that the question can sound a bit direct; adding 'Est‑ce que' softens it.