Entry
メソメソ
mesomeso
Crying softly and continuously, often in a way that sounds whiny, weak, or pitiful.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the action of sobbing quietly or whimpering persistently. It frequently carries a negative connotation, implying that the person crying is acting like a crybaby, lacks resilience, or is wallowing in self-pity.
- Whimpering or sobbing softly
- Acting like a crybaby
Sense Map
Soft Sobbing
Crying with a weak, muffled sound continuously due to sadness or getting scolded.
部屋でメソメソ泣く
Whining Behavior
Complaining or wallowing in self-pity without showing mental fortitude.
いつまでもメソメソする
Usage Note
How to Use
メソメソする
Used as a verb to describe the state of moping, whimpering, or acting like a crybaby.
メソメソしている
メソメソ泣く
Used with the verb 'naku' (to cry) to specify a sobbing, whimpering manner of crying.
メソメソと + verb
Functions as an adverb modifying another action, such as making excuses while sniffling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
メソメソ泣く
to sob weakly
メソメソする
to act like a crybaby
メソメソ言い訳をする
to make excuses while whimpering
メソメソしないで
don't be a crybaby
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Describing someone's tears | Negative | Implies the speaker finds the crying to be pathetic, weak, or going on for too long. |
| As a command | Harsh/Direct | Often seen in phrases like 'mesomeso suru na' (stop being a crybaby), serving as a direct instruction to toughen up. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しくしく しくしく / contrast | Used for quiet, restrained crying out of genuine sorrow, or for a dull, continuous physical pain. | Shikushiku implies genuine, quiet sorrow that often evokes sympathy, completely lacking the 'whiny' negativity of mesomeso. | しくしく泣く |
わんわん わんわん / contrast | Used for loud, unrestrained crying or bawling, typical of a young child. | Mesomeso is quiet and suppressed sobbing, whereas wanwan is loud wailing. | わんわん泣く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using mesomeso to express sympathy for a grieving friend.
Never use mesomeso sympathetically. It implies the person is being annoyingly weak. Use more neutral terms for genuine mourning.
Using mesomeso for someone wailing loudly.
Mesomeso is exclusively for weak, muffled, or soft whimpering, not loud crying.
Examples
Examples
彼は振られて、部屋でメソメソ泣いている。
かれはふられて、へやでメソメソないている。
He got dumped and is sobbing in his room.
LiteralDescribes continuous, weak crying over a heartbreak, implying a lack of resilience.
いつまでもメソメソするな。
いつまでもメソメソするな。
Don't be a crybaby forever.
FigurativeA harsh command telling someone to toughen up and stop moping.
子供が叱られてメソメソしている。
こどもがしかられてメソメソしている。
The child is whimpering after being scolded.
VisualFocuses on the visual and auditory state of a child crying softly and persistently.
メソメソと言い訳を言うのはやめてください。
メソメソといいわけをいうのはやめてください。
Please stop making excuses while whimpering.
LiteralHere 'mesomeso' modifies the action of speaking, indicating the words are spoken in a whiny manner.
少し失敗しただけでメソメソする人が苦手だ。
すこししっぱいしただけでメソメソするひとがにがてだ。
I don't like people who whine over a small failure.
FigurativeHighlights that this behavior is seen as annoying and indicates mental weakness.
Similar Words
Questions
Is mesomeso only used for children?
No, it is frequently used for adults as well. When applied to adults, it underscores that they are acting immaturely or lack mental toughness.
What is the main difference between mesomeso and shikushiku?
Shikushiku is quiet, pitiable crying that garners sympathy. Mesomeso is whimpering that is perceived as whining, weak, and annoying.
Can mesomeso refer to physical pain?
No. While its counterpart 'shikushiku' can mean a dull stomachache, mesomeso only refers to emotional weakness, whimpering, and crying.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1012450
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- メキメキ (mekimeki)
- Next entry
- もじもじ (mojimoji)