가오

Korean

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (SK Standard/Seoul) IPA^(key): [ka̠o̞]
• Phonetic hangul: [가오]

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.