What Does “Mogu Mogu” Mean in Japanese? The Onomatopoeia for Chewing and Munching

If you’ve ever watched someone quietly chewing a mouthful of food — puffed cheeks, slow and focused —the Japanese onomatopoeia “Mogu Mogu” is the perfect sound for that moment!

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What is “Mogu Mogu”?

“Mogu Mogu” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses the action and rhythm of chewing something repeatedly with a full mouth.
It’s often associated with children, animals, or anyone eating in a cute, calm, or slightly slow way.

Pronunciation

moh-goo moh-goo

Categories

Sound / Movement

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: A child eating a rice ball

She sat quietly, mogu mogu munching her onigiri with puffed cheeks.

Example 2: A hamster chewing a sunflower seed

Look at him mogu mogu—his little mouth won’t stop!

Example 3: Trying to talk while chewing

He was still mogu mogu on his cookie when he said, “I’m not done yet!”

Cultural Note

Mogu Mogu” is often used in manga and animation to show someone mid-chew.
It’s associated with a sense of innocence, comfort, or even shyness.
Characters sometimes speak with “mogu mogu” written beside their face to show they’re still eating while mumbling.
There’s even a drink in Japan called “Mogu Mogu” — filled with jelly and fruit bits you chew while sipping!

How Do You Say It?

It looks fun on the page, but how does it sound?
Let’s say it together — press play and listen!

What Does “Mogu Mogu” Look Like?

Some words aren’t just sounds — they munch their way across the page.
Let your eyes follow these chewy little letters: “Mogu Mogu.”

Watch & Feel the Mogu Mogu World!

Hamster Munching Pancakes!?

Full of Mogu Mogu Goodness!

Look at this video — it’s full of mogu mogu moments!

Try Using It!

Next time you see someone (or yourself!) eating slowly and happily,
just smile and say “Mogu Mogu!” — it might just make your meal even more fun!

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Naoboo
Welcome to this site — a soft and cozy space just for you.
Here, Japanese onomatopoeic expressions are collected — each one like a tiny, sound-flavored candy, a little piece of the world shared gently and playfully.

I hope you’ll find a favorite or two to carry with you.
Thank you for visiting.

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