máscara
/más-ka-ra/
mask
Máscara: A traditional physical face covering, often used for disguise or theater.
máscara(noun)
mask
?physical face covering for disguise, protection, or theater
disguise
?as in a costume or cover
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'máscara' is feminine, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Surgical Mask Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'máscara' for a disposable surgical or cloth face covering."
Correction: Use 'mascarilla' instead for the smaller, medical-style face coverings.
Máscara: A cosmetic face covering used for beauty and skin treatment.
máscara(noun)
face mask
?cosmetic or beauty treatment
mascara
?eye makeup (less common, often 'rímel')
📝 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?
⭐ Usage Tips
Hair vs. Face
You can specify what kind of mask it is: 'máscara facial' (face mask) or 'máscara capilar' (hair mask).
Máscara: An image representing a facade or false appearance.
máscara(noun)
facade
?false appearance
,pretense
?a misleading show of something
veneer
?thin covering hiding the truth
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'máscara' refers to an emotional or social barrier someone puts up to hide their true self.
Máscara: Specialized equipment used for clear vision underwater.
máscara(noun)
diving mask
?equipment used for seeing underwater
snorkel mask
?used in conjunction with a snorkel tube
📝 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.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: máscara
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'máscara' in its figurative sense (meaning a false appearance)?
📚 More Resources
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.