In 15 Seconds
- Literally means raising your eyebrows to show emotion.
- Used for surprise, skepticism, or playful flirting.
- Common in both casual speech and descriptive writing.
Meaning
This phrase describes the physical act of lifting your eyebrows, usually to show you are surprised, skeptical, or even flirting.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reacting to a friend's gossip
听完他的话，我只是挑了挑眉。
After hearing what he said, I just raised my eyebrows.
A playful moment between a couple
他对我挑眉，示意我跟他走。
He raised his eyebrows at me, signaling for me to follow.
In a professional meeting
老板挑了挑眉，似乎对这个提议很感兴趣。
The boss raised an eyebrow; he seemed interested in the proposal.
Cultural Background
While historically Chinese etiquette favored a 'still' face, modern usage of '挑眉' is heavily influenced by global cinema and internet culture. It is often associated with the 'charming antagonist' trope in Chinese web novels and TV dramas. It represents a shift toward more expressive and individualistic body language in younger generations.
The 'Double' Effect
Using '挑了挑眉' (verb + 了 + verb) makes the action feel more casual and quick, like a natural twitch rather than a long stare.
Watch the Context
In very formal Chinese business settings, raising an eyebrow can sometimes be seen as aggressive or arrogant. Use it sparingly with superiors.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means raising your eyebrows to show emotion.
- Used for surprise, skepticism, or playful flirting.
- Common in both casual speech and descriptive writing.
What It Means
挑眉 is a simple physical action with a lot of subtext. You are literally moving your eyebrows upward. In Chinese, it captures that 'Wait, what?' moment perfectly. It signals curiosity or a silent question without saying a word. It is the ultimate facial punctuation mark.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase in your sentences. Often, you will see it paired with 对 (towards) to show who you are looking at. For example, 对他挑了挑眉 means you gave him a quick brow-raise. It works great in storytelling or describing someone's reaction. It is short, punchy, and very visual.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show skepticism during a conversation. It is perfect for when a friend tells a tall tale. You can also use it in a flirty way at a bar. In a business meeting, a slight 挑眉 shows you are thinking deeply. It is a versatile tool for any social toolkit.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in extremely rigid, traditional ceremonies. If you are meeting a very conservative elder, it might look disrespectful. Don't use it if you are trying to look completely neutral. It always conveys some kind of opinion or emotion. It is not a 'blank face' expression.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, facial expressions were traditionally more reserved. However, modern pop culture and social media have changed this. 挑眉 is now a staple in 'C-Dramas' to show a character's charm. It often represents a 'cool' or 'confident' persona. It is the go-to move for a 'bad boy' or 'smart girl' character.
Common Variations
You might hear 挑了挑眉 for a quick, repetitive action. Some people say 眉头一挑 to describe the moment an idea hits. In slang, you might see people use emojis to represent this. It is a very 'meme-able' action in digital chats. It remains one of the most common body language descriptions in modern writing.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and widely used. Be careful with the tone of '挑' (3rd tone) and remember that it's a transitive action usually requiring a target (using '对').
The 'Double' Effect
Using '挑了挑眉' (verb + 了 + verb) makes the action feel more casual and quick, like a natural twitch rather than a long stare.
Watch the Context
In very formal Chinese business settings, raising an eyebrow can sometimes be seen as aggressive or arrogant. Use it sparingly with superiors.
The 'Hero' Look
In Chinese 'Wuxia' (martial arts) novels, a hero's '挑眉' often signals they've spotted a flaw in an opponent's move. It's a sign of high intelligence!
Examples
6听完他的话，我只是挑了挑眉。
After hearing what he said, I just raised my eyebrows.
Shows a silent, skeptical reaction.
他对我挑眉，示意我跟他走。
He raised his eyebrows at me, signaling for me to follow.
Used here as a silent, flirtatious signal.
老板挑了挑眉，似乎对这个提议很感兴趣。
The boss raised an eyebrow; he seemed interested in the proposal.
Shows curiosity or evaluation in a work setting.
看到那个消息，我默默地挑眉。
Seeing that message, I silently raised my eyebrows.
Common way to describe a reaction in text.
你就这点本事？我挑眉看着他。
That's all you've got? I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
Adds a layer of playful mockery.
他挑眉一笑，显得十分自信。
He raised an eyebrow and smiled, looking very confident.
Classic descriptive phrase for a charming character.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the reaction.
听到这个奇怪的消息，他不自觉地___了___眉。
The structure '挑了挑眉' is the standard way to describe the action of raising eyebrows briefly.
Which preposition is used to show who you are raising your eyebrows at?
他___我挑了挑眉，笑了笑。
We use '对' (towards/at) to indicate the target of the facial expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '挑眉'
Used in web novels and fanfiction.
眉角一挑 (A slight brow twitch)
Standard daily conversation and storytelling.
挑了挑眉 (Raised eyebrows)
Used in literature to describe subtle emotions.
轻挑双眉 (Gently raising both brows)
When to use '挑眉'
Skepticism
When a friend lies
Flirting
At a party/bar
Surprise
Unexpected news
Confidence
Before a challenge
Practice Bank
2 exercises听到这个奇怪的消息，他不自觉地___了___眉。
The structure '挑了挑眉' is the standard way to describe the action of raising eyebrows briefly.
他___我挑了挑眉，笑了笑。
We use '对' (towards/at) to indicate the target of the facial expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot always! While it often shows skepticism, it can also mean surprise or even be a playful, flirty gesture like 对他挑眉.
No, it's a standard neutral term. However, it is very popular in internet literature and casual texting.
You can say 挑了挑双眉 or 双眉微挑 to specify that both brows moved.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for descriptive writing or literature to show a character's reaction.
挑眉 is raising them (surprise/playfulness), while 皱眉 (zhòuméi) is frowning or knitting them (worry/anger).
Generally, yes. It can come across as questioning their authority or being 'cheeky' in a disrespectful way.
Usually no, unless you are writing a story where the animal has human-like expressions.
The 🤨 (Face with Raised Eyebrow) or 😏 (Smirking Face) are the closest digital equivalents.
眉开眼笑 means beaming with joy; it's a much more intense and purely happy expression than a simple 挑眉.
In this context, it is usually pronounced tiǎo (3rd tone) because it means to lift or poke up.
Related Phrases
皱眉
To frown / knit brows
眉飞色舞
To be exuberant / eyebrows dancing with joy
挤眉弄眼
To make eyes at someone / wink playfully
眉目传情
To flash amorous glances
