(めだ)(ぼう)

めだしぼう
noun
balaclava; ski mask
1. balaclava; ski mask
A knitted head covering that exposes only the eyes (and sometimes the mouth), worn for warmth in cold weather or to conceal one's identity. The name literally means 'eye-exposing hat.'
スキーのときは目出(めだ)(ぼう)をかぶる。
I wear a balaclava when skiing.
犯人(はんにん)目出(めだ)(ぼう)をかぶっていた。
The criminal was wearing a ski mask.
極寒(ごっかん)()では目出(めだ)(ぼう)なしでは(そと)()られない。
In extremely cold regions, you can't go outside without a balaclava.

The name comes from () (eyes) + ()し (exposing) + (ぼう) (hat) — a hat that leaves only the eyes exposed. In news reports, 目出(めだ)(ぼう) is commonly associated with criminals trying to hide their identity, but in everyday life it is standard cold-weather gear for skiing, mountaineering, and working in extreme cold.

Also called バラクラバ (from English "balaclava").

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 目出(めだ)(ぼう)をかぶる — to wear a balaclava
  • 目出(めだ)(ぼう)()ぐ — to take off a balaclava

RELATED WORDS:

  • ニット(ぼう) — knit cap
  • 防寒(ぼうかん)() — cold-weather gear
  • マスク — mask