to brush

(cave) + (grove) + (rock)
★★☆☆☆
16 strokes
ILL PAIR

Onyomi

(You don't need the ONyomi because the only useful jukugo is KUNKUN style)

Mnemonic

Yo Mama's mouth is so filthy, she has to get a rock from the cave to chop down a tree in a grove to make an adequately sized tooth - brush.

Kunyomi

みが*く brush :(almost always used with teeth: 歯を磨く (は を みがく)
★★☆☆☆

Jukugo

歯磨き(はみがき)

brush your teeth! ★★★☆☆ 1/2 KANA
(tooth) + (to brush) = 歯磨き (brush your teeth!)

the act of brushing the teeth ('Brush your teeth' = 歯を磨きます!)

Lookalikes

Meaning Hint Radical
friction HAND
to brush ROCK

Your HAND makes friction, as you brush ROCKs looking for gold.

Synonyms

rub
擦る    磨る