Translation guide
The English word 'mask' covers physical face coverings, disguises, and figurative concealment. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the purpose and context.
A covering worn over the nose and mouth for protection, hygiene, or fashion.
The most common word for any mask worn on the face, especially surgical masks, dust masks, and fashion masks. A loanword from English.
I wear a mask every day.
I have hay fever, so I can't go without a mask.
A mask or cloth covering the entire face, often used for disguise or by criminals. Not for hygiene masks.
The criminal was wearing a mask.
A mask that covers the face, often associated with masquerade balls, theater, or superheroes. Not for everyday hygiene masks.
Everyone wore masks at the masquerade ball.
Something that hides one's true identity or appearance, often for deception or anonymity.
Used figuratively for a false front or persona. Also used literally for a mask that hides the face.
He wears a mask and hides his true feelings.
Often implies anonymity, such as an anonymous writer or a masked criminal.
A phrase meaning 'to hide one's identity', often used when someone is not literally wearing a mask but is concealing who they are.
Something that hides one's true emotions, intentions, or the reality of a situation.
Literally 'to put on a mask', used figuratively to mean pretending to be someone you're not or hiding your true feelings.
She always wears a mask, so I don't know her true feelings.
An idiom meaning to feign innocence or hide one's true nature, like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Often used for someone acting nice when they are not.
A noun meaning 'façade' or 'pretense'. Can be used to describe a mask of friendliness or competence.
A sturdy covering for the face used in sports or dangerous activities.
A cosmetic treatment applied to the face, often a sheet or paste.
マスク is the default for everyday hygiene masks. 仮面 implies a disguise or false front, often theatrical or figurative. 覆面 suggests full-face concealment for anonymity or crime. Do not use 仮面 for a surgical mask.
I'll wear a mask because I have a cold.
He wore a mask and broke into the bank.
When 'mask' means hiding emotions, using マスク is unnatural. Use 仮面をかぶる or 猫をかぶる instead. マスク is only for physical face coverings.
覆面作家の正体は誰も知らない。
No one knows the true identity of the anonymous writer.
He operates on social media hiding his identity.
He puts on a mask in front of his boss.
彼の優しさは見せかけに過ぎない。
His kindness is just a mask.
The pitcher is wearing a face guard.