Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== kǒuzhào: 口罩 - Face Mask ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** kǒuzhào, kouzhao, 口罩, Chinese face mask, wear a mask in Chinese, N95 in Chinese, China mask culture, air pollution mask China, COVID-19 mask, medical mask Chinese, surgical mask Chinese. * **Summary:** 口罩 (kǒuzhào) is the Chinese word for "face mask." A common sight in China long before the global pandemic, face masks are used for a variety of reasons, from protecting against air pollution and germs to being a fashion accessory. Understanding the use of 口罩 provides insight into modern Chinese public health awareness, social etiquette, and urban life. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** kǒuzhào * **Part of Speech:** Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** A protective covering worn over the mouth and nose. * **In a Nutshell:** 口罩 (kǒuzhào) literally translates to "mouth cover." It's a purely functional term for the object we know as a face mask. While its use became global during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been an everyday item in many parts of Asia for years, primarily used as a personal shield against urban air pollution and as a common courtesy to wear when one is sick. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **口 (kǒu):** This character is a pictogram of an open mouth. It is one of the most basic and common characters, meaning "mouth," "opening," or "entrance." * **罩 (zhào):** This character means "to cover," "a cover," or "a shade." It's composed of 网 (wǎng) on top, meaning "net," and 卓 (zhuō) below. Imagine a net-like object covering something from above. * Together, 口 (kǒu) + 罩 (zhào) form a very logical and descriptive word: a "mouth cover." ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In many Western countries, prior to 2020, wearing a face mask in public was uncommon and often associated with being seriously ill or even seen as suspicious. In China and much of East Asia, however, wearing a 口罩 (kǒuzhào) has long been a normalized and socially accepted practice. This difference highlights a key cultural value: collectivism over individualism. Wearing a mask when you have a simple cold is not just about protecting yourself, but is seen as a basic social responsibility to protect //others// from your germs. This contrasts with a more individualistic perspective where the focus might be on one's personal discomfort or freedom not to wear one. Beyond public health, masks became a necessity in major Chinese cities due to **空气污染 (kōngqì wūrǎn) - air pollution**. During days with high AQI (Air Quality Index), streets would be filled with people wearing masks to filter out harmful particulates. This has made the 口罩 a symbol of modern urban life and its environmental challenges. More recently, it has also been adopted by some young people as a fashion statement or a way to have a bit of privacy in crowded public spaces. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== The term 口罩 (kǒuzhào) is used in all contexts, from casual conversation to formal public health announcements. The most important associated verb is **戴 (dài) - to wear (accessories)**. * **Daily Conversation:** You'll frequently hear people say "今天别忘了戴口罩 (jīntiān bié wàngle dài kǒuzhào)" - "Don't forget to wear a mask today." * **Types of Masks:** Specific types are often mentioned: * **医用口罩 (yīyòng kǒuzhào):** Medical/Surgical mask * **N95口罩 (N jiǔwǔ kǒuzhào):** N95 mask * **一次性口罩 (yīcìxìng kǒuzhào):** Disposable mask * **Formal Settings:** On public transport or in building entrances, you will see signs that say "请佩戴口罩 (qǐng pèidài kǒuzhào)" - "Please wear a mask." Here, 佩戴 (pèidài) is a more formal verb for "to wear." The connotation of 口罩 is overwhelmingly neutral and practical. It's an object of daily life, like an umbrella or a pair of gloves. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 冬天流感多发，出门最好戴上**口罩**。 * Pinyin: Dōngtiān liúgǎn duōfā, chūmén zuìhǎo dài shàng **kǒuzhào**. * English: The flu is common in winter, it's best to wear a face mask when you go out. * Analysis: A common piece of advice. Note the verb 戴 (dài) used for wearing a mask. "戴上 (dài shàng)" indicates the action of putting it on. * **Example 2:** * 对不起，我忘了戴**口罩**，我能进去吗？ * Pinyin: Duìbùqǐ, wǒ wàngle dài **kǒuzhào**, wǒ néng jìnqù ma? * English: Sorry, I forgot to wear a mask, can I come in? * Analysis: A practical sentence you might have used frequently during the pandemic. * **Example 3:** * 这种N95**口罩**的防护效果更好。 * Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng N jiǔwǔ **kǒuzhào** de fánghù xiàoguǒ gèng hǎo. * English: This kind of N95 mask has a better protective effect. * Analysis: Shows how to specify the type of mask. 防护效果 (fánghù xiàoguǒ) means "protective effect." * **Example 4:** * 因为空气污染很严重，许多人出门都戴着**口罩**。 * Pinyin: Yīnwèi kōngqì wūrǎn hěn yánzhòng, xǔduō rén chūmén dōu dàizhe **kǒuzhào**. * English: Because the air pollution is very serious, many people wear masks when they go out. * Analysis: This sentence highlights the key reason for mask-wearing in China before 2020. * **Example 5:** * 你可以在药店买到一次性的医用**口罩**。 * Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ zài yàodiàn mǎi dào yīcìxìng de yīyòng **kǒuzhào**. * English: You can buy disposable medical masks at the pharmacy. * Analysis: A useful sentence for travelers. 药店 (yàodiàn) is "pharmacy." * **Example 6:** * 进入室内，你可以把**口罩**摘下来了。 * Pinyin: Jìnrù shìnèi, nǐ kěyǐ bǎ **kǒuzhào** zhāi xiàlái le. * English: Now that we're indoors, you can take off your mask. * Analysis: 摘 (zhāi) is the verb "to take off" (for accessories like masks, glasses, etc.). It's the opposite of 戴 (dài). * **Example 7:** * 公共交通上要求乘客佩戴**口罩**。 * Pinyin: Gōnggòng jiāotōng shàng yāoqiú chéngkè pèidài **kǒuzhào**. * English: On public transportation, passengers are required to wear face masks. * Analysis: This uses the formal verb 佩戴 (pèidài), which you would see on official signs and announcements. * **Example 8:** * 我觉得这个黑色的**口罩**很酷，像个明星。 * Pinyin: Wǒ juédé zhège hēisè de **kǒuzhào** hěn kù, xiàng ge míngxiīng. * English: I think this black mask is very cool, like a celebrity. * Analysis: This example shows the use of masks as a fashion or style accessory, particularly among younger people. * **Example 9:** * 疫情期间，**口罩**成了必需品，到处都卖光了。 * Pinyin: Yìqíng qíjiān, **kǒuzhào** chéngle bìxūpǐn, dàochù dōu mài guāng le. * English: During the pandemic, masks became a necessity and were sold out everywhere. * Analysis: 必需品 (bìxūpǐn) means "necessity." 卖光了 (mài guāng le) is a resultative complement meaning "sold out." * **Example 10:** * 虽然戴**口罩**有点闷，但是为了健康还是值得的。 * Pinyin: Suīrán dài **kǒuzhào** yǒudiǎn mēn, dànshì wèile jiànkāng háishì zhídé de. * English: Although wearing a mask is a bit stuffy, it's still worth it for your health. * Analysis: 闷 (mēn) is a great word here, meaning "stuffy" or "unventilated," perfectly describing the feeling of wearing a mask. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== The most common mistake English speakers make is choosing the wrong verb for "to wear." In English, we use "wear" for everything: clothes, glasses, hats, perfume, and masks. In Chinese, verbs are more specific. * **穿 (chuān):** Use for clothing that covers the torso and limbs (shirts, pants, coats, shoes, socks). * **戴 (dài):** Use for accessories (hats, glasses, gloves, scarves, jewelry, and **masks**). Therefore, never say "我穿口罩 (wǒ chuān kǒuzhào)." This sounds as strange as saying "I wear pants on my face" in English. * **Incorrect:** ~~我今天穿了一个新口罩。~~ (Wǒ jīntiān chuānle yí ge xīn kǒuzhào.) * **Correct:** **我今天戴了一个新口罩。** (Wǒ jīntiān dàile yí ge xīn kǒuzhào.) - I wore a new mask today. Also, remember the formal verb **佩戴 (pèidài)**. While you can use 戴 (dài) in almost any situation, using 佩戴 (pèidài) in casual conversation would sound overly formal and stiff. Stick to 戴 (dài) when speaking. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[戴]] (dài) - The essential verb meaning "to wear" for accessories, including masks. * [[空气污染]] (kōngqì wūrǎn) - Air pollution; a primary reason for widespread mask use in China. * [[病毒]] (bìngdú) - Virus; wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of viruses. * [[预防]] (yùfáng) - To prevent; to take precautions against. Masks are a tool for 预防. * [[感冒]] (gǎnmào) - To have a cold/flu. It's polite to wear a mask when you have a 感冒. * [[健康]] (jiànkāng) - Health; healthy. The ultimate goal of wearing a mask is to protect one's 健康. * [[防护]] (fánghù) - Protection; to protect. A mask provides 防护. * [[一次性]] (yīcìxìng) - Disposable; single-use. Many common masks are 一次性. * [[消毒]] (xiāodú) - To disinfect; to sterilize. Related to general hygiene practices alongside mask-wearing. * [[摘]] (zhāi) - To take off (an accessory). The opposite action of 戴 (dài).