Ever wanted to say something, but couldn’t find the courage?
Or found yourself nervously twisting your fingers, too embarrassed to speak?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Moji Moji” (もじもじ) comes in — a sound and feel of shy hesitation, fidgeting, or holding back your words.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Moji Moji” (もじもじ)?
“Moji Moji” describes a bashful, hesitant, or self-conscious movement or feeling — when someone is too shy or embarrassed to act directly.
It’s used when:
- Someone is nervous or blushing and can’t speak easily.
- A child wants to say something but looks down and fidgets.
- A person is feeling awkward or timid in front of others.
It’s the sound of fidgeting fingers and hesitant hearts.
Pronunciation
mo-jee mo-jee
(Say it softly and a little unevenly — like someone mumbling shyly.)
Categories
Feeling / Movement
What Does “Moji Moji” Look Like?
It looks like a child standing with toes turned inward, clutching their sleeve.
Like someone glancing sideways, unable to meet another’s eyes.
Like the gentle motion of fingers nervously twisting together.
How Do You Say It?
Say it shyly and quietly:
Moji… moji…
Like a hesitant whisper,
or the sound of fidgeting hands.
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Shy confession
He wanted to tell her something,
but stood there, fidgeting —
moji moji…
Example 2: Nervous child
The teacher called her name,
and she stepped forward,
moji moji…
Cultural Note
In English, you might say:
- “Fidgeting.”
- “Hesitant.”
- “Shy and nervous.”
But “moji moji” captures not just the movement — it’s the feeling itself.
It paints a soft image of bashfulness, often seen as cute or innocent in Japanese culture, especially in children or shy characters in anime and manga.
Watch & Feel the “Moji Moji” World!
Feel the moji moji — the hesitation, the warmth, the shy charm.
It’s awkward, yet tender.
Embarrassed, yet honest.
Try Using It!
When you’re too shy to speak up…
When someone fidgets before confessing their feelings…
When a child hides behind their parent’s leg…
Say it softly:
Moji moji〜
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