Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| máscara | /ˈmaskaɾa/ | feminine |
| mascarilla | /maskaˈɾiʝa/ | feminine |
| antifaz | /antiˈfaθ/ /antiˈfas/ |
masculine |
| cambuj | /kambux/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| gambux (gambush) | masculine | |
| gambox (gambosh) | masculine |
The term refers to a cover for the face. For a gas mask, use the specific phrase máscara de gas. To express the related actions, you can use enmascarar to mean covering the face or cubrir to mean disguising something as something else.
Which one should you use?
Use mascarilla specifically for medical, surgical or protective face masks used for health purposes. In contrast, use máscara for a costume or theatrical mask. If you are referring to a mask that only covers the eyes, such as those used for sleeping or at masquerade balls, use antifaz.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal term cubrebocas is predominantly used. In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Bolivia, the informal term barbijo is commonly used to refer to a mask that covers the mouth and nose.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of máscara is máscaras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaskaɾa/
Did you know?
- The word barbijo used in Argentina and Uruguay for a face mask shares its root with the word for 'chin' in several Romance languages.
- The Spanish máscara was borrowed from the Italian word maschera.
- In Spanish, the word faz used in antifaz is a poetic or formal term for 'face' that is rarely used in everyday conversation.
Examples in context
- Él llevaba una máscara.He was wearing a mask.This sentence shows how to use máscara to describe wearing a mask.Tatoeba #2470837 by Shishir, translation #2470099 by Hybrid
- Lleva una máscara, Tom.Wear a mask, Tom.This sentence uses máscara as a command to wear a mask.Tatoeba #10031468 by manufrutos, translation #10031125 by shekitten
- Se puso la máscara de gas.He put on his gas mask.This sentence demonstrates the use of máscara in the phrase for a gas mask.Tatoeba #11684685 by Seael, translation #11684662 by Nuel
- mascarilla facialFace mask
- Olvidé mi cubrebocasI forgot my mask
- La máscara teatral es una obra de arte.The theatrical mask is a work of art.
- No puedo encontrar mi cubrebocas en ninguna parte.I can't find my mask anywhere.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Mateo are getting ready for a costume party.
- María¿Dónde está mi máscara de carnaval?Where is my carnival mask?
- MateoEstá sobre la mesa, María.It is on the table, Maria.
- MaríaGracias, la máscara es muy bonita.Thanks, the mask is very pretty.
- MateoSí, te queda muy bien.Yes, it looks very good on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mask” translations and entries máscara, mascarilla, antifaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries antifaz, mascarilla, máscara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
