가오

Korean

Etymology

From Japanese 顔 (kao, “face”), probably borrowed under Japanese colonial rule (1910—1945).

Pronunciation
Romanizations
Revised Romanization?gao
Revised Romanization (translit.)?gao
McCune–Reischauer?kao
Yale Romanization?kao

Noun

가오 • (gao)

  1. (slang) face (as in to save face); reputation; dignity
    우리가 돈이 없지 가오가 없냐?
    uri-ga don-i eopji gao-ga eomnya?
    We might not have money, but don't we have a face to save?
  2. (slang, critical) a pretentious act; an act done solely to gain the approval of others
    쟤가 하는 건 다 가오야.
    jae-ga haneun geon da gao-ya.
    Everything he does is just for show.
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