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How to Say "disguise" in Spanish

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disfraz

dees-frahsdisˈfɾaθ

nounA1general
Use 'disfraz' when referring to clothing or an outfit worn specifically to hide one's identity, typically for a party or performance.
A happy child wearing a fluffy, full-body lion costume with a mane and tail, ready for a party.

Examples

Mi hermana se puso un disfraz de hada para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

My sister put on a fairy costume for the birthday party.

El niño no reconoció a su padre con el disfraz de oso.

The child didn't recognize his father in the bear disguise.

Necesitamos comprar un disfraz nuevo para Halloween.

We need to buy a new costume for Halloween.

Gender Rule

Even though 'disfraz' ends in 'z', it is always a masculine noun. You must use 'el' (el disfraz) and 'los' for the plural ('los disfraces').

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'disfraz' (the noun) when you mean 'to dress up'.”

Correction: To say 'I dressed up,' use the related verb 'disfrazarse' (Me disfracé), not the noun.

máscara

nounA1general
Use 'máscara' to refer to a literal mask worn over the face as part of a costume or to conceal identity.

Examples

Para la fiesta de disfraces, compró una máscara de lobo.

For the costume party, she bought a wolf mask.

fachada

fah-CHAH-dahfaˈtʃaða

nounB2general
Use 'fachada' metaphorically to describe a false appearance or pretense used to hide one's true feelings or intentions.
A smiling mask being held up by a hand to hide a sad face behind it.

Examples

Su alegría es solo una fachada para esconder su tristeza.

His happiness is just a front to hide his sadness.

Ese negocio es una fachada para actividades ilegales.

That business is a front for illegal activities.

No te dejes engañar por la fachada; es una persona difícil.

Don't be fooled by appearances; he is a difficult person.

Abstract Use

When used figuratively, 'fachada' often follows the verb 'ser' to describe what someone or something is like on the surface.

Thinking it means 'face'

Mistake: “Me lavo la fachada.”

Correction: Me lavo la cara. 'Fachada' refers to the whole outward look or a building's face, not your literal human face.

maquillaje

mah-kee-YAH-hehma.kiˈʝa.xe

nounC1formal
Use 'maquillaje' to describe a superficial alteration or manipulation of facts or figures to make something appear better than it is.
A simple illustration showing a small, gray object (representing truth or facts) completely hidden and obscured beneath a large, brightly colored, decorative cloth.

Examples

El informe financiero era solo un maquillaje de la situación real de la empresa.

The financial report was merely a cover-up of the company's real situation.

Los políticos intentaron hacer un maquillaje a las cifras de desempleo.

The politicians tried to disguise the unemployment figures.

Physical vs. Metaphorical Disguise

Learners often confuse 'disfraz' and 'fachada'. Remember that 'disfraz' (and 'máscara') refers to a physical disguise, like a costume, while 'fachada' is used for a metaphorical disguise of emotions or intentions.

Related Translations

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