Translation guide
The English word 'masking' can refer to covering something physically, hiding a sound, or concealing one's true feelings or identity. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To conceal emotions, thoughts, or personality behind a facade
Literally 'to hide one's true feelings'. This is a natural, common way to express masking emotions.
彼はいつも本音を隠している。
He is always masking his true feelings.
Literally 'to wear a mask'. A metaphorical expression for putting on a facade.
社会では仮面をかぶっている人が多い。
Many people wear a mask in society.
Idiom meaning to feign innocence or hide one's true nature, often used for someone acting meek.
彼女は上司の前では猫をかぶっている。
She masks her true self in front of her boss.
To suppress or hold back emotions, often used when consciously controlling feelings.
彼は感情を抑えて冷静に話した。
He masked his emotions and spoke calmly.
To cover an object, area, or part of the body to hide it or protect it
General verb for covering something physically. Can be used for masking an object or area.
彼は顔を布で覆った。
He masked his face with a cloth.
To hide or conceal something from view. Often used when the purpose is to prevent discovery.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts like painting, audio, or data processing.
塗装前にマスキングテープで覆う。
Mask off with masking tape before painting.
To cover or obscure a sound, often with another sound
To drown out or completely obscure a sound. Commonly used for noise masking.
雨の音が話し声をかき消した。
The sound of rain masked the voices.
Technical term for auditory masking effect in acoustics or audio engineering.
この音響システムはマスキング効果を利用している。
This sound system utilizes the masking effect.
The English word 'masking' is often used in psychology or everyday speech for hiding emotions. Direct translations like マスキング are not used in this sense. Use phrases like 本音を隠す or 仮面をかぶる instead.
She put on makeup to mask the scar.