もぐもぐ

Alternative writings: もごもご
Frequency:
1

Mumbling; speaking indistinctly or with the mouth moving in a way that makes words hard to hear.

AdverbIrregular VerbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

彼は緊張してもごもごと答えた。

He answered mumbling nervously.

質問されたとき、もぐもぐして言いよどんだ。

When asked a question, he mumbled and hesitated.

年配の方は一人で何かもごもご言っていた。

The elderly person was muttering to himself.

2

Chewing food (the sound/act of chewing); used as an onomatopoeia for munching.

AdverbIrregular VerbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

赤ちゃんがパンをもぐもぐ食べている。

The baby is munching on bread.

映画を見ながらポップコーンをもぐもぐしていた。

I was munching popcorn while watching the movie.

彼は何も言わず、もぐもぐと夕食をかきこんだ。

He said nothing and quickly stuffed down his dinner, munching.

3

Squirming or wriggling (moving about in a confined space), an onomatopoeic/mimetic use.

AdverbIrregular VerbAdverb Taking 'と'Onomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

地面の下でミミズがもぐもぐ動いているのが見えた。

I could see a worm wriggling under the ground.

子猫が布団の中でもぐもぐして遊んでいる。

The kitten is burrowing and wriggling around in the futon.