In today’s globally connected world, people from different cultures often interact—especially in times of worldwide events like pandemics, festivals, or cultural exchanges. If you’re searching for “mask in different languages”, you’re likely trying to:
- Communicate clearly with someone from another language background.
- Understand the cultural significance of masks in various regions.
- Shop, travel, or study abroad and need to know what the word “mask” means in local languages.
- Explore how different cultures refer to masks, not just as a health item but as symbolic or artistic objects.
This blog will solve your problem by offering clear translations, pronunciation tips, and cultural notes related to the word “mask” in various languages worldwide. So, whether you’re preparing for international communication, cultural research, or language learning — you’ll find everything you need here.
What Do We Mean by “Mask”?
The word mask typically refers to a covering worn over part or all of the face, either for:
- Protection (like medical face masks),
- Performance or art (like theatre or carnival masks),
- Rituals and traditions (like tribal or ceremonial masks),
- Identity concealment (like costume or disguise masks).
Knowing how to say “mask” in different languages helps you adjust your speech depending on whether you’re talking about health, culture, or art.
Mask” in 25 Different Languages
| Language | Word for “Mask” | Pronunciation (approx.) | Context / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Mask | mask | Common in health and costume context |
| Spanish | Máscara | MAH-skah-rah | Often refers to decorative/carnival masks |
| French | Masque | mask | Used in medical and performance settings |
| German | Maske | MAHS-kuh | Used for medical masks or theater |
| Italian | Maschera | MAS-keh-rah | Similar to Spanish usage |
| Portuguese | Máscara | MAH-skah-rah | Used for both medical and decorative purposes |
| Arabic | قناع (Qinā‘) | kee-nah | Used in both health and cultural themes |
| Urdu | نقاب (Niqab), ماسک | niqaab / mask | “Niqab” often refers to a veil; “mask” borrowed from English |
| Hindi | मास्क (Mask) | mask | Pronounced similar to English due to medical usage |
| Chinese | 面具 (Miànjù) | myen-joo | 面 (face) + 具 (tool) |
| Japanese | マスク (Masuku) | MAH-skoo | Common for medical masks |
| Korean | 마스크 (Maseukeu) | MAH-seu-kuh | English loanword |
| Russian | Маска (Maska) | ma-ska | Often used for medical masks |
| Turkish | Maske | MAHS-keh | Medical or protective masks |
| Greek | Μάσκα (Máska) | MAHS-kah | Used in many contexts |
| Dutch | Masker | MAHS-ker | Similar to English |
| Swahili | Barakoa | baa-rah-koh-ah | Mostly used for health masks |
| Persian | ماسک | mask | Borrowed from English |
| Bengali | মুখোশ (Mukhosh) | moo-kosh | Often refers to artistic masks |
| Thai | หน้ากาก (Nâa-gàak) | naa-gaak | Literal: “face cover” |
| Filipino | Maskara | mas-ka-rah | Used for decorative or protective masks |
| Malay | Topeng | toh-peng | Also used for theatrical masks |
| Hebrew | מסכה (Masekhah) | mah-seh-khah | Used in health and ritual contexts |
| Vietnamese | Mặt nạ | mat-na | For medical or beauty masks |
| Swahili | Mask ya uso | mask ya oo-so | Literally “face mask” |
How to Use “Mask” in Conversations Across Cultures
Here are some examples of using “mask” in phrases across different languages:
- English: “Please wear a mask.”
- Spanish: “Por favor, usa una máscara.”
- French: “S’il vous plaît, portez un masque.”
- Chinese: “请戴上面具” (Qǐng dàishàng miànjù)
- Arabic: “يرجى ارتداء قناع” (Yurjā irtidā’ qinā‘)
- Urdu: “براہ کرم ماسک پہنیں” (Barah-e-karam mask pehnein)
Masks Beyond Health
It’s not just about COVID-19 or pollution!
Many cultures use masks in:
- Festivals (e.g., Venice Carnival) – Elaborate masks portray identity and beauty.
- Theater (e.g., Japanese Noh masks) – Represent emotions and characters.
- Rituals (e.g., African tribal masks) – Carry spiritual significance.
- Beauty (e.g., Korean face masks) – Skin care rituals.
Learning the local word and meaning can help you connect with locals, respect traditions, and understand global cultures better.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling, learning a language, studying culture, or simply expanding your vocabulary — knowing how to say “mask” in different languages is surprisingly useful. It enriches your ability to communicate respectfully and effectively.
