also: もごもご
adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru', adverb taking the 'to' particle
mumbling; chewing one's words
Describes speaking unclearly, as if with food in the mouth, or muttering indistinctly. Often used with 言う or 話す.
彼はもぐもぐと何か言ったが、聞き取れなかった。
He mumbled something, but I couldn't catch it.
口の中でもぐもぐ言わないで、はっきり話してください。
Don't mumble with your mouth full; please speak clearly.
adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru', adverb taking the 'to' particle
chewing (food)
Mimics the sound or motion of chewing food with the mouth closed. Often used with 食べる or as an adverb describing the manner of eating.
子供がお菓子をもぐもぐ食べている。
The child is munching on snacks.
もぐもぐとよく噛んで食べましょう。
Let's chew well, munching slowly.
adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru', adverb taking the 'to' particle
Describes a wriggling or squirming motion, often of a person or animal moving restlessly. Less common than the chewing/mumbling senses; may be used with verbs like 動く.
虫がもぐもぐと動いている。
The bug is wriggling about.