もぐもぐ

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.

• 彼かれはもぐもぐと何なにか言いったが、聞きき取とれなかった。

  He mumbled something, but I couldn't catch it.

• 口くちの中なかでもぐもぐ言いわないで、はっきり話はなしてください。

  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.

• 子こ供どもがお菓か子しをもぐもぐ食たべている。

  The child is munching on snacks.

• もぐもぐとよく噛かんで食たべましょう。

  Let's chew well, munching slowly.

adverb, noun or participle which takes 'suru', adverb taking the 'to' particle

squirming; wriggling

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.

• 虫むしがもぐもぐと動うごいている。

  The bug is wriggling about.