Entry
モーモー
moomoo
モーモー is the onomatopoeia for a cow's moo.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
モーモー is used to represent the lowing sound of a cow. In child-directed speech, it is also highly common to use it as a noun meaning "cow" (moo-cow).
- mooing sound
- cow (children's speech)
Sense Map
Animal Sound
Represents the mooing sound made by a cow.
牛がモーモーと鳴く。
Cow (Children's Speech)
Used as a noun to mean "cow" when speaking to or by toddlers.
あそこにモーモーがいるよ。
Usage Note
How to Use
モーモーと鳴く
Used with the particle "to" and the verb "naku" (to make an animal sound) to describe a cow mooing.
モーモー（と）言う
Used with the verb "iu" (to say) to describe the sound a cow makes.
モーモーさん
Attaching the suffix "-san" personifies the cow, typical of child-directed speech.
How to Use
Common Phrases
牛がモーモーと鳴く
a cow moos
モーモー言う
to make a mooing sound
モーモーさん
Mr./Ms. Cow
モーモーが草を食べる
the moo-cow eats grass
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Imitating animal sounds | neutral | Commonly used in storytelling or when describing the sound of cows. |
| Speaking to young children | positive | Parents often call cows "モーモー" or "モーモーさん" to make the animal sound friendlier to toddlers. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
めー めー / contrast | Used for the "baa" sound of a sheep or goat. | Not used for cows. | 羊がメーと鳴く。 |
こけこっこう こけこっこう / contrast | Used for the "cock-a-doodle-doo" sound of a rooster. | Not used for four-legged farm animals. | ニワトリがこけこっこうと鳴く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "モーモー" in formal writing about agriculture.
It is an onomatopoeia and a children's word; use 牛 (ushi) for formal contexts.
Pronouncing it with short vowels like "momo".
It must be pronounced with long vowels (mōmō) to mimic the drawn-out sound of a cow.
Examples
Examples
牧場で牛がモーモーと鳴いている。
ぼくじょうでうしがモーモーとないている。
A cow is mooing at the farm.
LiteralDescribes the actual sound of a cow.
ほら、大きなモーモーさんがいるよ。
ほら、おおきなモーモーさんがいるよ。
Look, there's a big cow over there.
VisualUsing "モーモー" with the suffix "san" when speaking to children.
子牛がお腹をすかせてモーモー言っている。
こうしがおなかをすかせてモーモーいっている。
The calf is making mooing sounds because it's hungry.
LiteralShows a calf continuously making sounds.
絵本の中でモーモーが草を食べているね。
えほんのなかでモーモーがくさをたべているね。
The cow is eating grass in the picture book, isn't it?
VisualReferring to a cow in a picture book.
遠くから牛のモーモーという声が聞こえる。
とおくからうしのモーモーというこえがきこえる。
The mooing sound of a cow can be heard from afar.
LiteralDescribes the sound heard from a distance.
Similar Words
Questions
Is モーモー the only way to say a cow moos?
Yes, it is the standard Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of a cow.
Can I call a cow "モーモー" in everyday conversation?
Only if you are talking to a young child. Otherwise, you should use the standard word 牛 (ushi).
Does モーモー have any other meanings?
No, it is exclusively associated with cows and the sound they make.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2123170
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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