Entry
もふもふ
mofumofu
A word describing a soft, thick, and furry texture, or the act of petting something with this texture.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Mofumofu is a popular Japanese word describing things that are incredibly soft, thick, and furry, such as kittens, puppies, or plush blankets. It is a mainstream way to express the comforting feeling of touching animal fur, and can even be used as a verb meaning 'to pet' or 'to cuddle' something fluffy.
- soft furry texture
- the act of petting
Sense Map
Furry Texture
Describes the physical state of having thick, soft fur or a similar plush texture.
もふもふの犬
Action (Petting)
The action of gently stroking, cuddling, or burying one's face in soft fur for comfort.
猫をもふもふする
Usage Note
How to Use
もふもふの
Acts as a modifier indicating the noun is made of or covered in soft fur.
もふもふな
もふもふしている
もふもふする
Functions as a verb meaning to interact with or pet a fluffy animal or object.
How to Use
Common Phrases
もふもふの犬
fluffy dog
もふもふな毛
fluffy fur
猫をもふもふする
to pet a cat
もふもふしたぬいぐるみ
fluffy stuffed animal
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pets and Animals | affectionate, cute | The most common usage, expressing love for the soft fur of dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. |
| Winter Clothing | cozy | Can describe faux-fur coats, fuzzy socks, or plush scarves. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ふわふわ ふわふわ / similar | Use for things that are light, airy, and bouncy, like clouds, cotton candy, or fresh bread. | Does not necessarily mean hairy or furry, whereas mofumofu is strongly associated with dense animal fur. | ふわふわのパン |
ふかふか ふかふか / similar | Use for thick, soft objects that yield to pressure and bounce back, like a thick futon or a sofa. | Used for inanimate, cushioned objects, while mofumofu focuses on the tactile sensation of fur. | ふかふかの布団 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Describing a cake as 'mofumofu'.
A cake is 'fuwafuwa' (light and airy). 'Mofumofu' makes it sound like the cake is covered in hair.
Using it in formal contexts.
It is a casual, affectionate word. Avoid using it in formal or professional writing.
Examples
Examples
友達が飼っている子犬はもふもふしていて、触り心地が良いです。
ともだち が かっている こいぬ は もふもふ していて、 さわりごこち が いい です。
My friend's puppy is fluffy and feels good to touch.
LiteralShows the state of the puppy having thick, soft fur.
動物園でもふもふなウサギを抱っこしました。
どうぶつえん で もふもふ な うさぎ を だっこ しました。
I held a fluffy rabbit at the zoo.
LiteralUsed as an adjective to describe the rabbit.
疲れた日は、愛猫を思い切りもふもふしたいです。
つかれた ひ は、 あいびょう を おもいきり もふもふ したい です。
On tiring days, I want to pet my beloved cat to my heart's content.
LiteralExample of using it as a verb (mofumofu suru) meaning to pet for comfort.
冬はもふもふの毛布に包まって寝るのが好きです。
ふゆ は もふもふ の もうふ に くるまって ねる の が すき です。
In winter, I like to sleep wrapped up in a fluffy blanket.
LiteralMofumofu can also be used for inanimate objects like thick, soft blankets.
そのぬいぐるみは、本物の動物みたいにもふもふしています。
その ぬいぐるみ は、 ほんもの の どうぶつ みたい に もふもふ しています。
That stuffed animal is fluffy just like a real animal.
LiteralUsed to describe a stuffed toy that has a texture resembling real animal fur.
Similar Words
ふわふわ
fuwafuwa
Fuwafuwa describes things that are light, airy, and soft to the touch, or things that float and drift gently. Use for things that are light, airy, and bouncy, like clouds, cotton candy, or fresh bread. Does not necessarily mean hairy or furry, whereas mofumofu is strongly associated with dense animal fur.
ふかふか
fukafuka
Describes something voluminous, resilient, and pleasantly soft to the touch, like a thick futon or freshly baked bread. Use for thick, soft objects that yield to pressure and bounce back, like a thick futon or a sofa. Used for inanimate, cushioned objects, while mofumofu focuses on the tactile sensation of fur.
Questions
What is the difference between mofumofu and fuwafuwa?
Mofumofu is specifically for dense, thick fur. Fuwafuwa is for things that are light, airy, or floaty like cotton candy or clouds.
Can mofumofu be used as a verb?
Yes. Adding suru to make mofumofu suru means to pet, stroke, or snuggle with something fluffy.
Is mofumofu a formal word?
No, it is a casual word used in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in formal settings.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 932576202
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- kotobank.jp/word/もふもふ
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- しんみり (shinmiri)
- Next entry
- こちんこちん (kochinkochin)