가오
Korean
Etymology
From Japanese 顔 (kao, “face”), probably borrowed under Japanese colonial rule (1910—1945).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): [ka̠o̞]
- Phonetic hangeul: [가오]
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Noun
가오 • (gao)
- (slang) face (as in to save face); reputation; dignity
- 우리가 돈이 없지 가오가 없냐?
- Uriga doni eopji gaoga eomnya?
- We might not have money, but don't we have a face to save?
- (slang, critical) a pretentious act; an act done solely to gain the approval of others
- 쟤가 하는 건 다 가오야.
- Jyaega haneun geon da gaoya.
- Everything he does is just for show.