もちもち

もちもち
adverb, na-adjective
chewy; springy; soft and elastic
1. chewy; springy; soft and elastic
Describes a pleasantly chewy or bouncy texture, often used for rice, bread, or skin.
このパンはもちもちしておいしい。
This bread is chewy and delicious.
赤(あか)ちゃんのもちもちの肌(はだ)。
A baby's soft, supple skin.
もちもちの食感(しょっかん)がたまらない。
I can't resist the chewy texture.

A 擬態語(ぎたいご) (mimetic word) derived from 餅(もち) (mochi rice cake). Describes a pleasantly soft, elastic, chewy texture — the kind that bounces back when pressed. Always positive.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • もちもちする (to be chewy/springy)
  • もちもちした〜 (chewy ~)
  • もちもちの〜 (chewy ~, na-adjective usage)
  • もちもち食感(しょっかん) (chewy texture)

FOODS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS もちもち:

  • 餅(もち) (mochi rice cake)
  • うどん (udon noodles)
  • タピオカ (tapioca pearls)
  • パン (bread — especially soft, dense types)
  • もち米(ごめ) (glutinous rice)

BEYOND FOOD:

  • もちもちの肌(はだ): soft, supple skin (compliment for smooth, bouncy skin)

SIMILAR TEXTURE WORDS:

  • ふわふわ: fluffy, soft (lighter, airy)
  • ぷりぷり: firm and springy (for shrimp, fish)
  • ねばねば: sticky, gooey (less positive connotation)

Related Words

Related: ふわふわ (fluffy, airy)
Related: ぷりぷり (firm and springy)
Related: 餅(もち) (mochi (etymology))
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:20 · Revised 2026.4.14 10:59
05000/05260_mochimochi