cubrebocas
/kubɾebokas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "covid mask" is translated into Spanish as cubrebocas.
The term refers to a protective face covering worn to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
What does it mean word for word?
cubrebocas is a compound noun that literally means "mouth-cover", combining cubre (covers) and bocas (mouths).
Which one should you use?
While cubrebocas is common in Mexico, mascarilla is the more common term used in Spain and many other Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
cubrebocas is the standard way to refer to a face mask in Mexico. In Argentina and Uruguay, people often use the informal term Barbijo, while Bozal is an informal term used in some regions, particularly in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
cubrebocas is a compound noun that is treated as a single masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kubɾebokas/
Did you know?
- Be careful using the word bozal to refer to a mask in some regions, as it can also mean a 'muzzle' used for animals, which might sound insulting.
- The term barbijo, used in Argentina and Uruguay, is derived from the word barba, meaning 'beard', suggesting a covering for the lower face.
- The term cubrebocas uses the plural 'mouths' (bocas) instead of the singular 'mouth' ('boca'), which is a common linguistic pattern in Spanish for many compound nouns.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar un cubrebocas nuevo.I need to buy a new covid mask.
- ¿Dónde dejaste el cubrebocas?Where did you leave the covid mask?
- El cubrebocas es azul.The covid mask is blue.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are getting ready to go to the supermarket.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿tienes un cubrebocas para mí?Daniel, do you have a covid mask for me?
- DanielSí, tengo uno en mi mochila.Yes, I have one in my backpack.
- MaríaGracias, es muy importante usarlo.Thanks, it is very important to use it.
- DanielTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cubrebocas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
