Spanish · Body & Health
"Face mask" in Spanish: tapabocas
el tapabocas
Note: Mexico: el cubrebocas; ES: la mascarilla
A face mask is el tapabocas. It is masculine. In Mexico you also hear el cubrebocas. Spain often says la mascarilla.
How to pronounce tapabocas: audio and sound guideClinic entrance
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How to pronounce tapabocas
Say it
tah-pah-BOH-kahs
/ta.pa.ˈβo.kas/
tah-pah-BOH-kahs. Stress BOH.
"Face mask" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el tapabocas | the face mask Common in much of Latin America. | Common in much of Latin America. |
| el cubrebocas | the face mask Very common in Mexico. | Very common in Mexico. |
| la mascarilla | the face mask Common in Spain; also understood elsewhere. | Common in Spain; also understood elsewhere. |
| ponerse el tapabocas | to put on the mask Action phrase. | Action phrase. |
How to use tapabocas in real life
- 1Clinic entrance
Póngase el tapabocas, por favor.
Please put on the mask.
Formal póngase + tapabocas.
- 2Leaving home
¿Traes el tapabocas en la bolsa?
Do you have the mask in the bag?
Everyday check.
- 3Pharmacy
Necesito un tapabocas nuevo.
I need a new mask.
Un tapabocas = one mask.
Mistakes English speakers make with tapabocas
Incorrect: la tapabocas
Correct: el tapabocas
Tapabocas is masculine: el tapabocas.
Incorrect: Necesito un mask.
Correct: Necesito un tapabocas.
Use tapabocas, not English mask.
Good to know
Good to knowTapabocas and cubrebocas both mean face mask in Latin America. Staff may say póngase el tapabocas at clinics.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Entering a clinic waiting room
ChatPal
Aquí piden tapabocas en la entrada.
Here they ask for a mask at the entrance.
You
Tengo un tapabocas limpio.
I have a clean mask.
ChatPal
Perfecto. Pasamos a la fila.
Perfect. Let's join the line.
You
Voy detrás de ti.
I'll go behind you.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Face mask" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Face mask" in Spanish
What gender is tapabocas?
Masculine: el tapabocas.
Mexico vs elsewhere?
Mexico often says cubrebocas; many places say tapabocas.
Spain?
La mascarilla is common there.
How do you pronounce tapabocas?
tah-pah-BOH-kahs.
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