マスク
ますく
noun
mask, face mask
1.
face mask, surgical mask
A protective covering worn over the nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs or protect against allergens and pollution.
風邪をひいたのでマスクをしている。
I'm wearing a mask because I have a cold.
花粉の季節はマスクが欠かせない。
Masks are essential during pollen season.
電車の中でマスクを外した。
I took off my mask on the train.
USAGE NOTES:
- Mask-wearing in Japan was common even before COVID-19, especially during cold/flu season and pollen season.
- Often worn as a courtesy when sick, to prevent spreading germs.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- マスクをする/つける (to put on a mask)
- マスクを外す (to take off a mask)
- 使い捨てマスク (disposable mask)
- 不織布マスク (non-woven mask)
CULTURAL NOTES:
- Some people also wear masks to hide their face when they don't feel presentable or don't want to be recognized.