Korean

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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

Noun

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가오 (gao)

  1. (slang) face (as in to save face); reputation; dignity
    우리 없지 가오 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
    하는 가오.
    jae-ga haneun geon da gao-ya.
    Everything he does is just for show.