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.
eyebrow (body part)
Referring to the eyebrow as a physical feature.
The standard, everyday word for 'eyebrow'. Used in most contexts.
She has thick eyebrows.
To groom one's eyebrows.
A slightly more formal or literary term for 'eyebrow', often used in compounds or written language.
To frown (literally 'to knit one's eyebrows').
Talking about plucking, drawing, or shaping eyebrows.
Describing emotions or reactions shown through eyebrow movement.
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.
That story sounds fishy.
To read someone's eyebrows, i.e., to guess their thoughts from subtle facial cues.
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.
He proceeded with the negotiation by reading the other person's expressions.