마스크
maseukeu[ma̠sʰɯkxɯ]
The English word "mask" can be translated into Korean as 마스크 (maseukeu), 가면 or 탈 depending on the context.
Meaning: cover for the face (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 마스크 | maseukeu | [ma̠sʰɯkxɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 가면 | gamyeon | [ˈka̠(ː)mjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 탈 | tal | [tʰa̠(ː)ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is used to describe various types of face coverings, ranging from modern medical protection to traditional theatrical disguises.
Which one should you use?
The forms are distinguished by their specific purpose: 마스크 is used for modern protective face coverings like surgical or dust masks. 가면 refers to a mask used for a disguise, masquerade or theatrical purposes. And 탈 refers specifically to traditional Korean masks used in folk dances and performances.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 마스크 착용 is used to mean wearing a mask.
How do you pronounce it?
maseukeu
Did you know?
- Traditional 탈 masks were often burned at the end of a performance to symbolize the destruction of evil spirits and the washing away of the year's grievances.
- In traditional 탈춤 or mask dances, the masks are designed with exaggerated features to allow performers to satirize the social elite without being recognized.
- The term 가면 literally translates to 'false face' because it is composed of the characters for 'false' and 'face'.
Examples in context
- 마스크를 써주세요Please wear a mask
- 새 마스크를 샀어요.sae maseukeureul sasseoyo.I bought a new mask.
- 마스크를 어디에 두었나요?maseukeureul eodie dueon-nayo?Where did you put the mask?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are entering a store.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 마스크 챙겼어요?Seoyeon ssi, mask chaeng-gyeot-eo-yo?Seoyeon, did you bring a mask?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 깜빡했어요.a-ni-yo, kkam-ppak-haet-eo-yo.No, I forgot it.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제 마스크 하나 드릴게요.je mask ha-na deu-ril-ge-yo.I'll give you one of my masks.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 고마워요, 현우 씨.jeong-mal go-ma-wo-yo, Hyunwoo ssi.Thank you so much, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mask” translations and entries 마스크, 가면, 탈, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가면, 마스크, 탈, CC BY-SA 4.0.
