仮面(かめん)

かめん
noun
mask
1. mask (physical)
A covering worn over the face, used in performances, rituals, or for disguise.
仮面(かめん)をつける。
To put on a mask.
仮面(かめん)をかぶった踊(おど)り手(て)が舞台(ぶたい)に現(あらわ)れた。
A masked dancer appeared on stage.
博物館(はくぶつかん)には世界中(せかいじゅう)の仮面(かめん)が展示(てんじ)されている。
Masks from around the world are exhibited in the museum.
2. mask, facade (figurative)
A false outward appearance that hides one's true feelings or intentions.
仮面(かめん)を剥(は)ぐ。
To unmask, to expose someone's true face.
彼女(かのじょ)は笑顔(えがお)の仮面(かめん)をかぶっていた。
She was wearing a mask of smiles.
優(やさ)しさの仮面(かめん)の下(した)に冷酷(れいこく)な本性(ほんしょう)が隠(かく)れていた。
A ruthless true nature was hidden beneath the mask of kindness.

仮面(かめん) refers to a mask worn to conceal one's face or identity. Composed of 仮(か) (temporary, false) + 面(めん) (face). Often used figuratively to mean a false front or facade.

Common collocations

  • 仮面(かめん)をかぶる: to wear a mask, to put on a front
  • 仮面(かめん)を外(はず)す: to take off a mask, to reveal one's true self
  • 仮面(かめん)を剥(は)ぐ: to unmask, to expose someone
  • 仮面(かめん)舞踏会(ぶとうかい): masquerade ball

Usage

仮面(かめん)をかぶる often means to put on a false persona: 優(やさ)しさの仮面(かめん)をかぶる (to wear a mask of kindness).

Cultural note

仮面(かめん)ライダー (Kamen Rider) is one of Japan's most iconic tokusatsu superhero franchises, running since 1971.

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: マスク (mask)
Compare: 覆面(ふくめん) (mask covering the face)
general
Added 2026.2.16 19:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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