How to Read “白眉”
Hakubi
Meaning of “白眉”
“White eyebrow” is a proverb that refers to the most excellent thing among many, something that stands out exceptionally above the rest.
When comparing multiple things of the same type or in the same field, it refers to something that is remarkably superior and so outstanding that nothing else can match it. This expression is used not for something that is merely “good,” but for something that clearly possesses a level of quality or ability that is distinctly superior.
This phrase is used when discussing subjects that can be evaluated or compared in some way, such as artistic works, human talents, product quality, or academic achievements. It is particularly used in situations where one option clearly stands out among multiple choices.
Even today, it is used to describe particularly impressive works among films, the highest quality items in a product series, or the most excellent member of a team. However, this expression is more commonly used in somewhat formal writing or critiques rather than in everyday conversation.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “White eyebrow” lies in a historical account recorded in “Records of the Three Kingdoms,” a historical text from China’s Three Kingdoms period. In the state of Shu, there was an excellent person named Ma Liang, who had four brothers. All five brothers were blessed with talent, but among them, Ma Liang was particularly outstanding.
Interestingly, Ma Liang’s eyebrows had white hairs mixed in. People of that time regarded these white eyebrows as a symbol of his excellence. From this came the saying “Among the five constants of the Ma family, White eyebrow is the best.” This meant “Among the five brothers of the Ma family, Ma Liang with the white eyebrows is the most excellent.”
This historical tale was transmitted to Japan, and eventually the term “White eyebrow” became established as a proverb meaning “the most excellent among many.” The reason why “White eyebrow,” which originally described Ma Liang’s physical characteristic, came to be used metaphorically was probably because his talent was so remarkably outstanding.
As an example of how a Chinese classical anecdote took root as a Japanese proverb, “White eyebrow” is a fascinating word that tells the story of cultural transmission and change.
Interesting Facts
Ma Liang’s “White eyebrow” was different from what we would call gray hair today; he was said to have been born with white hairs mixed in his eyebrows. In ancient China, such physical characteristics were considered signs of special talent.
The expression “White eyebrow” began appearing in Japanese literature around the Heian period, initially used as direct quotations of the Chinese anecdote, but it is believed to have gradually established itself as a general metaphorical expression.
Usage Examples
- At this exhibition, all the works were wonderful, but the final oil painting was truly the White eyebrow
- His piano performances are always skillful, but yesterday’s Chopin was a White eyebrow performance
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “White eyebrow” is having its value rerecognized precisely because we live in an age of information overload. Now that countless content floods the internet and the choices for products and services have become enormous, the ability to discern what is truly excellent is required.
On social media and review sites, extreme expressions like “divine masterpiece” and “the best” are rampant, but the term “White eyebrow” carries a weight that sets it apart from such casual evaluations. As an expression used only for things that are objectively judged to be the most excellent after careful comparison and consideration, it maintains its value.
In the business world, expressions like “the White eyebrow of the industry” or “our company’s White eyebrow service” are sometimes used in presentations and proposals. This functions not as mere self-praise, but as an elegant expression when demonstrating superiority based on concrete evidence.
Moreover, in the modern era where objective evaluation through data analysis has become possible due to the development of AI technology, the criteria for judging “White eyebrow” are becoming more precise. Perhaps in this age of identifying what is truly excellent based on multifaceted analysis rather than emotional preferences, the classical expression “White eyebrow” is beginning to take on new meaning.
When AI Hears This
In ancient Chinese aesthetic values, eyebrows were considered “more beautiful the darker and thicker they were.” Looking at Han dynasty beauty paintings and literary works, ideal eyebrows were described as “moth eyebrows” (thin and black like moth antennae) or “distant mountain eyebrows” (dark and beautiful like distant mountains), all with blackness as the fundamental requirement.
However, Ma Liang’s case completely overturned this conventional wisdom. His white eyebrows should have given an impression of being “elderly” or “ominous.” In fact, physiognomy (face reading) of that era considered premature white hair or white eyebrows to be signs of misfortune.
Yet Ma Liang’s overwhelming talent rendered this aesthetic prejudice powerless. His diplomatic skills, military insight, and literary abilities were exceptional, and people gradually began interpreting his white eyebrows as a “special mark bestowed by heaven.” This is also a classic example of what psychology calls the “halo effect.”
What’s fascinating is how this phenomenon repeats itself in modern times. Steve Jobs’ black turtlenecks, Einstein’s disheveled hair—true geniuses ignore existing notions of “proper appearance,” and their uniqueness actually becomes their charm. Ma Liang’s white eyebrows proved 2,000 years ago that excellence has the power to rewrite aesthetic conventions, making them a symbolic case of value reversal.
Lessons for Today
What “White eyebrow” teaches modern people is the importance of having an eye for discerning true value. Precisely because we live in an age overflowing with information, we need the ability to find what is truly excellent without being misled by superficial evaluations.
This ability cannot be acquired overnight. The process of experiencing many things, comparing them, and developing your own standards is important. Whether in music, literature, work, or human relationships, the habit of thinking “why is this excellent?” will refine your aesthetic sense.
Moreover, “White eyebrow” teaches us the importance of honestly acknowledging others’ excellence. Rather than being dominated by jealousy or competitive spirit, the attitude of purely evaluating excellent things and trying to learn from them leads to your own growth.
And above all, you too have the potential to become someone’s “White eyebrow.” By carefully honing your skills in your areas of expertise and continuing to work with sincerity, someday your work or actions might become the most brilliant presence among many.
Comments