Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| マスク | masuku | [ma̠sɨ̥kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 仮面 | kamen | [ka̠mẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 覆面 | hukumen | [ɸɯ̟kɯ̟mẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| お面 | omen | |
| 面形 | mentegata |
マスク is the standard term for a medical, surgical or cloth face mask used for hygiene or health purposes. To say you are wearing a mask, you can use the phrase マスクをする or マスクを着用する. If you need to say you are taking a mask off, use マスクを外す. For shopping, you might ask マスクを販売していますか to ask if someone sells masks or say マスクが必要です to express that you need one.
Which one should you use?
The Japanese language uses different words for masks based on their specific function. マスク refers to common hygiene or medical face masks. 仮面 is a more formal or literary term for a mask used for theatrical, ceremonial or metaphorical purposes, such as a masquerade mask. 覆面 is a descriptive term for a mask used specifically to conceal one's identity, like a balaclava. お面 is typically used for traditional Japanese masks, such as those worn during festivals or at shrines.
How do you pronounce it?
masuku
Did you know?
- In Noh theater, the mask 面 is designed so that a slight tilt of the head changes the expression from sadness to joy through the play of light.
- In Japan, wearing a マスク for health reasons is often viewed as a gesture of 'social consideration' rather than just personal protection. It is considered polite to mask up when you have a slight cough to avoid bothering others.
- Traditional お面 are often sold at shrines and festivals and are believed to channel the spirit of the deity or creature they represent.
Examples in context
- マスクをしなさい。Put your mask on.This example shows how to tell someone to put their mask on using マスク.Tatoeba #9101508 by small_snow, translation #3155592 by CK
- マスクをとりなさい。Take off your mask.This example shows how to tell someone to take their mask off using マスク.Tatoeba #8670987 by small_snow, translation #3444526 by CK
- マスクを外しなさい。Take your mask off.This example shows how to tell someone to remove their mask using マスク.Tatoeba #8670988 by small_snow, translation #12419699 by CK
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a convenience store, a person is looking for face coverings.
- 陽葵 Himariマスクはどこにありますか？Masuku wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where are the masks?
- 陽太 Yotaあちらの棚にありますよ。Achira no tana ni arimasu yo.They are over on that shelf.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 陽太 Yotaいえいえ。Iie iie.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mask” translations and entries マスク, 仮面, 覆面, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
