What Is “Neba Neba”? The Japanese Sound of Stickiness and Gooeyness

Ever tried natto (fermented soybeans) and noticed the sticky strings stretching endlessly?
Or cut into okra and found it slimy inside?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Neba Neba” comes in — the sound-and-feel word for sticky, gooey, slimy textures.

Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!

What is “Neba Neba” (ねばねば)?

“Neba Neba” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes stickiness or sliminess.

It’s often used for foods that have a viscous, stringy, or slippery texture, but it can also be used metaphorically for sticky, lingering feelings or situations.

Common uses:

• Food: natto, okra, yamaimo (Japanese yam), tororo, seaweed.
• Texture: gluey or sticky things.
• Figurative: a “sticky” situation or lingering attachment.

What Does “Natto” Mean in Japanese? A Sticky, “Neba Neba” Food

When people talk about natto (なっとう) in Japan, they mean the traditional dish of fermented soybeans.

It’s famous — or infamous — for being neba neba: stringy, sticky, and gooey.

Natto is made by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis, giving it a strong smell, a unique flavor, and those stretchy threads that cling to chopsticks.

Some people love its rich taste and health benefits, while others find the sticky texture challenging.

Why Is Natto “Neba Neba”?

It’s commonly eaten with rice, sometimes with soy sauce, mustard, or green onions.

When you stir natto with chopsticks, long sticky strings appear — this is the perfect example of “neba neba.”

Japanese often describe natto as healthy food, full of protein, vitamins, and probiotics.

Pronunciation

neh-bah neh-bah
(Say it with a dragging, clinging rhythm — like something stretching and sticking.)

Categories

Texture / Condition

What Does “Neba Neba” Look Like?

It looks like long, gooey threads stretching between chopsticks.
Like something clinging to your fingers.
Like slime that refuses to let go.

How Do You Say It?

Say it with a clinging sound:
Neba… neba…

Like natto strings stretching, or like glue refusing to come off.

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: Natto breakfast

He stirred the natto with chopsticks,
the sticky strings stretching —
neba neba…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
これは、ねばねばだね。

Example 2: Cutting okra

The knife sliced through the green pods,
and slimy threads appeared —
neba neba…

Cultural Note

In English, you might say:
“Sticky.”
“Gooey.”
“Slippery.”

But Japanese “neba neba” gives a stronger sound-and-feel image — you can almost see the threads stretching.
In Japanese food culture, “neba neba” foods are often considered healthy and full of nutrients, even if some people dislike the slimy texture.

Watch & Feel the “Neba Neba” World!

Discover the Japanese neba neba bowl, a healthy dish that’s both tasty and kind to your stomach.

Try Using It!

When you stir natto,
when you slice okra,
when you feel something clingy…

Say it clearly:
Neba neba〜