もぐり
も
ぐ
り
Meanings
1
Refers to the act of diving or a person who dives, often in contexts like pearl diving or free diving.
He is a master free diver and is good at diving.
2
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
unlicensed; unregistered; unqualified
usually written using kana alone
Describes someone practicing a profession without a proper license, such as a doctor or driver. Often used attributively with の.
It's dangerous to be treated by an unlicensed doctor.
You shouldn't take an unlicensed taxi.
3
usually written using kana alone
Refers to a person who is not part of a particular group or community; an outsider or interloper.
In the village, outsiders are quickly noticed.
Usage patterns
- もぐりの〈人〉an unlicensed/unqualified (person), e.g. an unlicensed doctor
He was an unlicensed doctor.
- 〈人〉はもぐりだ(someone) is a fraud/doesn't really belong, despite claiming to
That reporter is a fraud—he's not really in the industry.
- もぐりで〈動詞〉to do something without proper authorization or license
That shop is operating without a license.