sourcils
The French phrase for eyebrows is sourcils.
The term refers to the strips of hair located above the eyes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is le sourcil. However, the word is almost always used in the plural form, les sourcils, when referring to the pair of eyebrows.
Did you know?
- The word sourcil is a compound of sous meaning 'under' and cil meaning 'eyelash'. This literally describes the eyebrows as the hairs that sit 'under' the eyelid's upper edge.
- While English speakers often use 'eyebrows' to describe expression, French speakers frequently use the verb froncer with les sourcils to describe a frown, literally meaning 'to furrow the eyebrows'.
- Historically, the French word cil was used more broadly for any kind of fringe or border, which is why sourcil refers to the border of the eye.
Examples in context
- Il haussa les sourcils.He raised his eyebrows.This sentence shows how to use sourcils to describe raising one's eyebrows.Tatoeba #8701019 by Aiji, translation #2774830 by Hybrid
- Tes sourcils sont beaux.Your eyebrows are beautiful.This sentence uses sourcils to compliment the beauty of someone's eyebrows.Tatoeba #11810640 by Rovo, translation #11810404 by carlosalberto
- T'épiles-tu les sourcils ?Do you pluck your eyebrows?This sentence uses sourcils in a question about plucking them.Tatoeba #3228616 by sacredceltic, translation #3223238 by Hybrid
- Elle a de magnifiques sourcils bien épais.She has beautiful, thick eyebrows.
- Pourquoi n'as-tu pas épilé tes sourcils ?Why didn't you tweeze your eyebrows?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is getting ready in front of a mirror.
- HugoTu as du maquillage sur les sourcils.You have makeup on your eyebrows.
- EmmaOh non, merci de me le dire, Hugo.Oh no, thanks for telling me, Hugo.
- HugoEst-ce que c'est très visible ?Is it very visible?
- EmmaUn petit peu, mais ça va.A little bit, but it's okay.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
