Translation guide
English 'face mask' can refer to several distinct items in Japanese, including a sanitary mask, a beauty facial mask, or a protective mask. The most common meaning is the everyday sanitary mask worn for health or social reasons.
The everyday mask worn over the nose and mouth to prevent illness, block pollen, or for social etiquette.
The most common and general term for a face mask in Japanese. It typically refers to the disposable or reusable sanitary masks worn in daily life.
I wear a mask every day because of hay fever.
Please wear a mask on the train.
Literally 'hygiene mask'. Used to emphasize the sanitary aspect, but less common in everyday speech than マスク.
Wearing a hygiene mask is recommended.
A sheet mask or cream mask applied to the face for skincare purposes.
Refers specifically to a skincare facial mask, often a sheet mask soaked in serum. Very common in beauty contexts.
I used a face mask before going to bed.
Short for フェイスパック. Commonly used in casual conversation.
Literally 'beauty face pack'. A slightly more formal or descriptive term, often used in product names.
My skin became smooth after using a facial mask.
A mask that protects the face from physical impact, chemicals, or other hazards.
Used for transparent plastic shields or wire cages that protect the face in sports or industrial settings.
The baseball catcher is wearing a face guard.
A general term for protective masks, including gas masks or medical face shields. More formal.
In some contexts, マスク can refer to a protective sports mask (e.g., in kendo). Context-dependent.
A mask worn over the face for disguise, entertainment, or as part of a costume.
Refers to a mask that covers the face, often for disguise or performance. Can imply a full-face mask.
He went to the party wearing a mask.
Often used for traditional Japanese masks or children's character masks. More specific than 仮面.
The child is wearing a mask of an anime character.
マスク is the default for sanitary masks. 仮面 is for disguise or theatrical masks. フェイスパック is specifically for skincare sheet masks. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
I bought a mask because I caught a cold.
I wore a mask for Halloween.
I used a face mask soaked in serum.
This mask is really moisturizing.
Wearing a protective mask is mandatory in the factory.
The kendo mask is sometimes called 'men'.