もじもじ
もじもじ
adverb
fidgeting, squirming (with embarrassment)
1.
fidgeting, squirming
Moving restlessly due to embarrassment, shyness, or discomfort; shifting nervously.
恥ずかしくてもじもじしていた。
I was squirming with embarrassment.
子供はもじもじしながら謝った。
The child apologized while fidgeting nervously.
もじもじしていないで、早く言いなさい。
Stop fidgeting and say it already.
彼は告白しようとしてもじもじしていた。
He was fidgeting, trying to confess his feelings.
SOUND SYMBOLISM: The soft も sounds and repetition evoke the restless, hesitant quality of nervous fidgeting.
VERB FORM:
- もじもじする (to fidget, to squirm)
NUANCE: Typically describes behavior caused by embarrassment, shyness, or reluctance to speak. Common when someone has something to say but is too shy to say it.
CONTEXTS: Often used with children, shy people, or romantic situations (confessions).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- そわそわ: Restless, fidgety (from anticipation or anxiety)
- おどおど: Timidly (from fear or nervousness)
- もじもじ: Squirming (from embarrassment or shyness)