眉毛
How to Understand
眉毛 refers to the eyebrows, the hair above the eyes. It is a specific anatomical feature that distinguishes humans and is often associated with facial expressions and beauty in Chinese culture.
The character 眉 (méi) literally means 'eyebrow' and comes from ancient Chinese writing, where it depicted the shape of an eyebrow. 毛 (máo) means 'hair' or 'fur,' emphasizing the physical nature of the eyebrows. Together, they form a precise term for the eyebrows.
In daily life, people often comment on someone's eyebrows in terms of their shape, thickness, or style. In traditional Chinese aesthetics, well-shaped eyebrows are considered a sign of beauty. Expressions like “挑眉” (tiǎo méi) mean to raise one's eyebrows, showing surprise or interest.