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.
A cat's whiskers are very sensitive.
その犬は長いひげをしている。
That dog has long whiskers.
Technical/biological term for whiskers (vibrissae). Used in scientific contexts.
洞毛は哺乳類の重要な感覚器官だ。
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.
猫ひげがピンと立っている。
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).
ネズミのひげは長くて細い。
A mouse's whiskers are long and thin.
アザラシのひげで水中の動きを感じ取る。
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.
彼は紙一重で試験に合格した。
He passed the exam by a whisker.
わずかな差で勝った。
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).
彼は口ひげを生やしている。
He has a mustache.