Ever seen a child standing in front of the class, too shy to speak, shifting from foot to foot?
Or someone who clearly needs the restroom but is trying hard to hide it?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Moji Moji” comes in — a sound full of fidgeting, hesitation, and embarrassment.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Moji Moji” (もじもじ)?
“Moji Moji” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes awkward, hesitant, or restless movement, often because of shyness, embarrassment, or discomfort.
It can be:
- Physical fidgeting — twisting fingers, shifting your body, unable to stay still.
- Emotional hesitation — when you want to say or do something but can’t bring yourself to do it.
It’s often used for children, shy people, or situations where someone feels awkward or restrained.
Pronunciation
moh-jee moh-jee
(Say it softly, with a hesitant rhythm — like you’re holding something back.)
Categories
Movement / Reaction
What Does “Moji Moji” Look Like?
It looks like a child clutching their clothes, glancing down.
Like someone twisting their hands nervously.
Like a person who clearly wants to speak up, but can’t.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a bit of hesitation:
Moji… moji…
Like shuffling your feet while avoiding eye contact:
Moji moji…
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Shy confession
She stood before him,
twisting her fingers, unable to meet his eyes —
moji moji…
Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
かのじょは、もじもじしているよ。
Example 2: Holding it in
The boy raised his hand,
shifting awkwardly from foot to foot —
moji moji…
Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
かれは、もじもじしているよ。
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “Fidgeting nervously”
- “Shuffling awkwardly”
- “Squirming”
But in Japanese, moji moji doesn’t just describe the motion — it captures the whole atmosphere of hesitation, shyness, and restraint.
It’s a word that instantly paints a picture of someone unable to express themselves openly.
Watch & Feel the “Moji Moji” World!
Feel the “moji moji” — fidgeting, embarrassed, unsure.
It’s awkward, sometimes cute, sometimes frustrating when singing in front of people!
Try Using It!
When you see a child too shy to speak…
When your friend looks restless but won’t say why…
When someone’s clearly embarrassed…
Say it softly, with empathy:
Moji moji〜
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