What Is “Moya Moya”? The Japanese Word for Foggy, Unsettled Feelings

Ever felt unsure why you’re bothered, but something just doesn’t sit right?

That heavy, hazy feeling that clouds your thoughts and weighs on your chest?

That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Moya Moya” appears — a word for emotional fog.

Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!

What is “Moya Moya”?

“Moya Moya” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that expresses unclear, frustrating emotions — when something is stuck in your mind, but you can’t sort it out.

It’s not quite anger, not quite sadness… just a vague, cloudy discomfort.

It often shows up in emotional moments, tough decisions, or when things feel unresolved.

Pronunciation

moh-yah moh-yah

Categories

Emotion / Feeling

あわせて読みたい

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What Does “Moya Moya” Look Like?

It looks like mist in your chest.

Like thought bubbles with no shape.

Like clouds swirling behind your eyes.

How Do You Say It?

Say it with a sigh:
Moya Moya…

Say it while looking out the window:
Moya Moya…

Say it when you want to clear your heart:
Moya Moya…

Examples in Daily Life

Example 1: A conversation that didn’t go well

He smiled and nodded during the meeting…

But something didn’t feel right.

Even afterward, he couldn’t explain it — just moya moya…

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
もやもやする。

Example 2: Waiting for someone’s reply

She sent a message with something important.

No response.

One day passed. Two…

Her chest felt tight with moya moya.

Just for reference, in Japanese, this would be:
もやもやする・・・！

Cultural Note

In English, we might say:

• “I feel off.”
• “It’s been bugging me.”
• “My mind is cloudy.”

But Japanese expresses all that in one phrase: “Moya Moya.”

It can describe emotional states, awkward atmospheres, or even physical sensations like a foggy head.

You’ll often hear it in conversation or see it in manga as swirling clouds above a character’s head.

Watch & Feel the “Moya Moya” World!

Innocent but Suspected: The Moya Moya Dog Moments

Ever been blamed for something you didn’t do?
These poor pups know the feeling.

While the real troublemaker sits nearby, these dogs are left feeling confused, misunderstood, and totally moya moya…
That vague, foggy emotion captured perfectly in one glance.

Watch his face. You’ll feel it too.
That’s moya moya in action.

Try Using It!

When your thoughts won’t settle…

When your heart is full, but you don’t know with what…

When something doesn’t feel right, but you can’t explain why…

Say it gently:
Moya Moya…

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