Translation guide
Describes speaking in a low, unclear voice, often with the mouth barely open. The most common Japanese equivalent is ぼそぼそ, an onomatopoeic adverb for muttering or mumbling. Other options include もごもご (mumbling with mouth full or unclear articulation) and ぶつぶつ (grumbling to oneself).
To say something quietly and indistinctly, often so that it's hard to hear or understand.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'in a mumble' or 'muttering'. Often used with verbs like 言う (to say) or 話す (to speak). It implies speaking quietly and somewhat unclearly, but not necessarily with negative emotion.
彼はぼそぼそと何か言った。
He said something in a mumble.
ぼそぼそ話さないで、はっきり言ってください。
Don't mumble; please say it clearly.
Onomatopoeia for mumbling or speaking indistinctly, often with the mouth full or when words are not articulated well. Can also describe chewing with mouth closed.
Onomatopoeia for grumbling or muttering complaints to oneself. It often carries a nuance of dissatisfaction or talking under one's breath.
Literally 'in a small voice'. It means speaking quietly, but not necessarily unclearly. Can be used when someone is whispering or speaking softly.
彼は小声で「助けて」と言った。
He said 'help me' in a mumble.
A verb meaning to hesitate in speech, to mumble, or to stammer. It implies difficulty getting words out clearly, often due to embarrassment or uncertainty.
ぼそぼそ is the most general for mumbling quietly. もごもご emphasizes unclear articulation, often with mouth full. ぶつぶつ implies grumbling or complaining to oneself.
彼はぼそぼそと独り言を言った。
He muttered to himself in a low voice.
食べながらもごもご言うのはやめなさい。
Stop mumbling while eating.
彼はぶつぶつと不平を言った。
He grumbled his complaints.
口の中でもごもご言わないで。
Don't mumble with your mouth full.
彼はぶつぶつ文句を言いながら歩いていた。
He was walking along mumbling complaints.
彼は口ごもりながら謝った。
He apologized in a mumble.