もじもじ

もじもじ
adverb
fidgeting, squirming (with embarrassment)
emotion
1. fidgeting, squirming
Moving restlessly due to embarrassment, shyness, or discomfort; shifting nervously.
恥(は)ずかしくてもじもじしていた。
I was squirming with embarrassment.
子供(こども)はもじもじしながら謝(あやま)った。
The child apologized while fidgeting nervously.
もじもじしていないで、早(はや)く言(い)いなさい。
Stop fidgeting and say it already.
彼(かれ)は告白(こくはく)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.

Forms

  • 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

Related Words

Compare: そわそわ
Compare: おどおど
Antonym: はきはき (brisk, clear-spoken)
Compare: おずおず (timidly, bashfully, hesitantly)
general
Added 2026.1.17 17:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
06000/06274_mojimoji