Translation guide
Describes the long, stiff hairs on an animal's face, especially around the mouth. In Japanese, the word depends on the animal and context.
Referring to the sensory hairs on the face of cats, dogs, mice, etc.
The most common and general word for whiskers. Can also mean beard or mustache for humans, but context makes it clear.
猫のひげはとても敏感だ。
A cat's whiskers are very sensitive.
That dog has long whiskers.
Technical/biological term for whiskers (vibrissae). Used in scientific contexts.
Whiskers are an important sensory organ in mammals.
Emphasizing the whiskers of a cat, often in a cute or affectionate context.
Literally 'cat whiskers'. Used when you want to be specific or in pet-related contexts.
The cat's whiskers are standing straight up.
Specifying whiskers of animals other than cats, or in a more descriptive way.
Use the animal's name + の + ひげ. For example, ネズミのひげ (mouse whiskers), アザラシのひげ (seal whiskers).
A mouse's whiskers are long and thin.
Seals use their whiskers to sense movement in the water.
Using 'whiskers' in a non-literal sense, e.g., 'by a whisker' meaning a very small margin.
The English idiom 'by a whisker' doesn't translate directly. Use expressions like 紙一重 (かみひとえ) for a very close call, or わずかな差 (わずかなさ) for a small difference.
He passed the exam by a whisker.
We won by a whisker.
While ひげ can mean beard or mustache for humans, it's perfectly natural for animal whiskers. Context usually makes the meaning clear. If you need to specify human facial hair, you can use 口ひげ (くちひげ, mustache) or あごひげ (beard).
He has a mustache.