What Is “Meso Meso”? The Japanese Sound of Whimpering or Tearful Sniffling

11/11/2025

Ever seen a child sulking in a corner, softly crying but unable to stop?

Or felt that kind of fragile sadness that makes you sniffle and pout at the same time?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Meso Meso” (めそめそ) comes in — a sound and feel of weak, helpless sobbing.

Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!

Table of Contents

What is “Meso Meso” (めそめそ)?

“Meso Meso” describes the sound or act of crying softly and continuously — often with a sense of immaturity or self-pity.
It’s not the quiet endurance of shiku shiku, but the tearful whining of someone who can’t hold it in.

It’s used for:

Light, lingering sadness expressed outwardly

A child crying or sulking

Someone who’s hurt or disappointed, sniffling

Pronunciation

meh-so meh-so
(Say it gently, with a quivering tone, like someone trying to stop tears but failing.)

What Does “Meso Meso” Look Like?

It looks like a child wiping tears with the back of their hand.
Like a person pouting after being scolded.
Like tears welling up, again and again, even after they’ve stopped.

How Do You Say It?

Say it softly, trembling just a little:
Meso… meso…
Like your voice is caught between sobs.

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: After being scolded

He sat in the corner,
sniffling softly —
meso meso…

Meso Meso, meaning, Japanese sound words, onomatopoeia

Example 2: Feeling lonely

She missed her friend,
and her voice quivered —
meso meso…

Cultural Note

In English, you might say:
“Whimpering,” “sniffling,” or “whining tearfully.”

But “meso meso” captures not just the sound — it conveys vulnerability and immaturity.
It often paints a picture of someone weakly crying, not out of deep sorrow, but emotional sensitivity.

Compared with shiku shiku, which feels quiet and inward,
“meso meso” is outward, fragile, and faintly childish.