Translation guide
The English word 'eyebrow' refers to the strip of hair above the eye. In Japanese, the most common word is まゆげ, but there are also related terms for eyebrow grooming, expressions, and figurative uses.
眉毛
eyebrow (body part)
Referring to the eyebrow as a physical feature.
The standard, everyday word for 'eyebrow'. Used in most contexts.
A slightly more formal or literary term for 'eyebrow', often used in compounds or written language.
眉をひそめる。
To frown (literally 'to knit one's eyebrows').
Talking about plucking, drawing, or shaping eyebrows.
General phrase for grooming eyebrows, including plucking, trimming, etc.
眉毛を整えるのに時間がかかる。
It takes time to groom my eyebrows.
Specifically means 'to pluck eyebrows'.
眉毛を抜くのは痛い。
Plucking eyebrows hurts.
Eyebrow pencil or the act of drawing eyebrows. Traditional term.
Describing emotions or reactions shown through eyebrow movement.
To frown or knit one's brows, showing displeasure or worry.
彼は不愉快そうに眉をひそめた。
He frowned in displeasure.
To raise one's eyebrows, showing surprise or skepticism.
彼女は驚いて眉を上げた。
She raised her eyebrows in surprise.
Expressions where 'eyebrow' is used metaphorically.
Literally 'eyebrow saliva', meaning something dubious or not to be trusted. Comes from the idea of putting saliva on your eyebrows to avoid being tricked by a fox or tanuki.
その話は眉唾だ。
That story sounds fishy.
To read someone's eyebrows, i.e., to guess their thoughts from subtle facial cues.
彼は相手の眉を読んで交渉を進めた。
He proceeded with the negotiation by reading the other person's expressions.
眉毛 (まゆげ) is the common, everyday word. 眉 (まゆ) is more formal and often used in set phrases or literature. In casual conversation, stick with まゆげ.
昔の女性は眉墨で眉を描いた。
Women in the past drew their eyebrows with eyebrow pencil.