Translation and Meaning of: 眉 - mayu

The Japanese word 「眉」, read as "まゆ" (mayu) in hiragana, primarily refers to eyebrows. This term is widely used in both everyday language and in cultural and artistic contexts in Japan.

In its etymology, 「眉」 is a kanji character that combines two radicals: 「⺉」 (which symbolizes a knife or blade) and 「目」 (which represents the eyes). This combination conveys the idea of a line or shape above the eyes. Historically, eyebrows are seen as an expressive facial feature and have been a focus in art and aesthetics in many cultures, including Japanese.

Culturally, eyebrows, or 「まゆ」, play a significant role in traditional Japanese aesthetics. During the Heian Period, it was common for women to shave their natural eyebrows and draw higher lines on their foreheads, a practice known as "hikimayu." This technique aimed to enhance beauty and express social status. Furthermore, eyebrows remain an important part of makeup and beauty care in contemporary Japan.

Nowadays, the word 「眉」 can appear in various contexts, such as in beauty products for eyebrows or aesthetic services. It is also an important feature in facial expressions, often mentioned in descriptions of emotions or moods. Furthermore, eyebrows are essential in visual identity, both for men and women, significantly influencing facial perception.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 眉毛 (Mayu) - Sobrancelha
• まゆ (Mayu) - Sobrancelha
• マユ (Mayu) - Sobrancelha

眉

Romaji: mayu
Kana: まゆ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: sobrancelha

Meaning in English: eyebrow

Definition: The linear coverage of bone and skin above the eyes.