máscara
“máscara” means “mask” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
mask
Also: disguise
📝 In Action
Para la fiesta de disfraces, compró una máscara de lobo.
A1For the costume party, she bought a wolf mask.
Los actores llevaban máscaras tradicionales en la obra.
A2The actors wore traditional masks in the play.
face mask
Also: mascara
📝 In Action
Voy a ponerme una máscara de arcilla para relajarme.
A2I'm going to put on a clay face mask to relax.
¿Qué marca de máscara de pestañas usas?
B1What brand of mascara (eyelash mask) do you use?
facade, pretense
Also: veneer
📝 In Action
Tras el despido, su máscara de felicidad se cayó.
B2After the firing, his facade of happiness dropped.
La diplomacia es a menudo una máscara que oculta la tensión real.
C1Diplomacy is often a mask that hides the real tension.
diving mask
Also: snorkel mask
📝 In Action
Necesitas una máscara y aletas para hacer esnórquel en el arrecife.
B1You need a mask and fins to snorkel on the reef.
Se me empañó la máscara apenas entré al agua.
B1My mask fogged up as soon as I entered the water.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "máscara" in Spanish:
diving mask→face mask→mascara→mask→snorkel mask→veneer→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: máscara
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'máscara' in its figurative sense (meaning a false appearance)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'máscara' arrived in Spanish from Italian, where it was 'maschera'. It likely traces back to the Arabic word 'masjara' (مَسْخَرَة), meaning 'buffoon' or 'joke,' referring to something ridiculous or disguised. The concept of a disguised face for performance or fun has been central to the word's meaning for centuries.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'máscara' and 'mascarilla'?
'Máscara' generally refers to a large, rigid, or theatrical face covering (like a Halloween mask or a diving mask). 'Mascarilla' is the diminutive form, typically used for small coverings like surgical masks, cloth face coverings, or small beauty treatments (like sheet masks).
Can 'máscara' be used for eye makeup (mascara)?
Yes, but it's less common. While 'máscara de pestañas' literally means 'eyelash mask,' the word 'rímel' (borrowed from the brand Rimmel) is often the preferred, more common term for eye makeup in many Spanish-speaking regions.