Entry
もにょる
monyoru
To mumble out of hesitation, or to feel vaguely unsettled and have mixed feelings.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A casual internet slang verb derived from the mimetic word 'monyo-monyo'. It describes the act of swallowing one's words or mumbling due to hesitation. More commonly in modern slang, it is used to express a vague internal uneasiness, mild dissatisfaction, or mixed feelings that are difficult to put into words (e.g., after watching a movie with an ambiguous ending).
- Mumbling or hesitating to speak
- Feeling unsettled or having mixed feelings
Sense Map
Hesitating to Speak
To mumble or avoid speaking clearly because of awkwardness, hesitation, or an attempt to evade a question.
はっきりと意見を言えずにもにょる。
Vague Uneasiness
To feel that something isn't quite right, to have mixed feelings, or to feel a mild, unresolved dissatisfaction.
映画のラストシーンを見て、なんだかモニョる。
Usage Note
How to Use
もにょる
The dictionary form, used to state that one feels unsettled or is mumbling.
モニョっている
The ongoing state form (te-iru), meaning one is currently lingering in a state of mixed feelings or vague dissatisfaction.
もにょって
The te-form, often followed by verbs like 'gomasu' (to evade), meaning 'to mumble and dodge (the question)'.
なんだかモニョる
Paired with 'nandaka' (somehow) to emphasize that the reason for the unsettled feeling is hard to pinpoint.
How to Use
Common Phrases
なんかモニョる
somehow feels unsettled
もにょる気持ち
unsettled feeling
結末にモニョる
to have mixed feelings about the ending
対応にモニョる
to feel dissatisfied with the response
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reviewing a story with an ambiguous ending | negative | Perfect for expressing that the ending didn't feel resolved or satisfying. |
| Avoiding a direct answer | neutral | Highlights the act of mumbling or hesitating to avoid a clear statement. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶつぶつ ぶつぶつ / similar | Used for audible, continuous complaining or muttering to oneself. | もにょる implies swallowing words out of hesitation, rather than actively voicing complaints. | ぶつぶつ文句を言う。 |
ぼそぼそ ぼそぼそ / similar | Used when speaking in a very quiet, subdued, or lifeless voice. | もにょる also covers the psychological state of having mixed feelings, whereas ぼそぼそ is strictly about voice quality. | ぼそぼそと話す。 |
そわそわ そわそわ / similar | Used when someone is physically restless or fidgeting due to nervousness or anticipation. | もにょる is an internal feeling of things not sitting right, not physical fidgeting. | 落ち着かずそわそわする。 |
むしゃくしゃ むしゃくしゃ / similar | Used for strong irritation, frustration, or anger. | もにょる is a much milder, vaguer sense of dissatisfaction compared to the strong anger of むしゃくしゃ. | むしゃくしゃしてやった。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it in formal business emails.
This is casual slang. Use more standard phrases like 納得しかねる (cannot fully agree/accept) in formal contexts.
Using it to describe extreme anger.
It should only be used for mild, hard-to-describe dissatisfaction or mixed feelings.
Examples
Examples
映画のラストシーンを見て、なんだかモニョる。
えいがのラストシーンをみて、なんだかモニョる。
Watching the last scene of the movie, I somehow have mixed feelings.
FigurativeUsed for endings that do not provide a satisfying resolution.
彼の不自然な言い訳を聞いて、少しもにょる。
かれのふしぜんないいわけをきいて、すこしもにょる。
Hearing his unnatural excuse, I feel slightly dissatisfied.
FigurativeShows a mild doubt or unsettled feeling toward someone's words.
はっきりと意見を言えずにもにょる。
はっきりといけんをいえずに、もにょる。
I mumble because I can't state my opinion clearly.
LiteralA literal example of swallowing one's words due to hesitation.
友達の冷たい態度にモニョる。
ともだちのつめたいたいどに、モニョる。
I feel unsettled by my friend's cold attitude.
FigurativeAn ongoing state showing continuous unsettled feelings.
質問されても、もにょるばかりでごまかす。
しつもんされても、もにょるばかりでごまかす。
Even if asked, they only mumble and evade the question.
LiteralUse of the te-form to connect two actions (mumbling then evading).
Similar Words
ぶつぶつ
butsubutsu
Butsubutsu describes the low sound of someone grumbling, the appearance of a skin rash or pimples, the gentle bubbling of simmering liquid, or the act of chopping something into pieces. Complaining or muttering to oneself audibly.
ぼそぼそ
bosoboso
Describes speaking in a low, unclear mumble, or the texture of food that has become dry, crumbly, and tasteless. Speaking in a very quiet, subdued voice.
そわそわ
sowasowa
A state of being restless, fidgety, or unable to calm down due to anticipation, nervousness, or excitement. Physical restlessness or fidgeting due to nervousness.
むしゃくしゃ
mushakusha
Describes a state of pent-up frustration and irritation, or physical things like hair being shaggy and unkempt. Strong irritation or anger.
Questions
Is もにょる a real verb?
It acts grammatically as a Godan (Group 1) verb, but it is considered modern slang rather than a traditional dictionary verb.
Does it mean the same as 'confused'?
Not exactly. It's less about intellectual confusion and more about emotional dissatisfaction—a feeling that something didn't wrap up cleanly.
Can I use it in speaking?
Yes, it is often used in casual spoken conversations among friends, especially young people or internet users.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2866252
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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