Entry
もさっと
mosatto
Describes a state of being mentally absent or having an unrefined, uncouth appearance.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
もさっと (mosatto) captures a general lack of sharpness or polish. Mentally, it refers to acting absentmindedly, vacantly, or dully. Physically and socially, it describes someone or something that appears unrefined, unsophisticated, or uncouth, lacking style or elegance.
- acting absentmindedly
- appearing unrefined or uncouth
Sense Map
Absentminded / Vacant
A state of being mentally unfocused, blank, or acting absentmindedly.
もさっと突っ立っている
Unrefined / Unattractive
An appearance or demeanor that lacks polish, sophistication, or style.
もさっとした服
Usage Note
How to Use
もさっとする
Used as a verb to express being absentminded or looking unrefined.
もさっとした + noun
Used to modify a noun, describing something (like clothes or appearance) that is unrefined or lacks style.
もさっと + verb
Describes an action done absentmindedly, vacantly, or dully.
How to Use
Common Phrases
もさっと立つ
to stand vacantly
もさっとした髪
unkempt hair
もさっと答える
to answer dully
もさっとした印象
an unrefined impression
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mental state | Negative | Describes someone not paying attention or acting dull, usually with a slightly critical tone. |
| Fashion and appearance | Negative | Points out that someone's style is unpolished, out of fashion, or a bit awkward. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼさっと ぼさっと / similar | Used when someone is doing nothing or when hair is untidy and unkempt. | もさっと strongly emphasizes being uncouth or unrefined, whereas ぼさっと focuses more on physical untidiness or idleness. | ぼさっとするな |
ぼんやり ぼんやり / similar | Used for a lack of mental focus or when something is visually dim. | ぼんやり does not imply being socially unrefined or uncouth, only that the mind or vision is blurry. | ぼんやりと考える |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Assuming it only means absentminded like ぼんやり.
もさっと also frequently describes a lack of style or being unrefined (e.g., clothes, hair, or overall vibe).
Using it to describe a physical texture like rough skin.
It describes a vibe, appearance, or mental state, not tactile roughness. (Use がさがさ for rough surfaces).
Examples
Examples
彼は会議中、もさっと座っていた。
かれ は かいぎちゅう、 もさっと すわって いた。
He sat vacantly during the meeting.
LiteralShows someone physically present but mentally disengaged.
もさっとした服を着ている。
もさっと した ふく を きて いる。
They are wearing unrefined clothes.
VisualHighlights an appearance that lacks style or elegance.
髪を切らないと、もさっとして見える。
かみ を きらない と、 もさっと して みえる。
If you don't cut your hair, you'll look unrefined.
VisualFocuses on the unkempt or unpolished look of uncut hair.
もさっと歩いていると、人にぶつかるよ。
もさっと あるいて いる と、 ひと に ぶつかる よ。
If you walk absentmindedly, you'll bump into people.
LiteralWarns against walking without paying attention to surroundings.
彼の話し方は、どこかもさっとしている。
かれ の はなしかた は、 どこか もさっと して いる。
His way of speaking is somewhat unrefined.
FigurativeDescribes a conversational style that feels unsophisticated or dull.
Similar Words
ぼさっと
bosatto
To be absent-minded, physically idle, or unresponsive. For messy hair or idling.
ぼんやり
bonyari
This word describes something that lacks clarity and sharpness, either visually blurry and dim, or a state of spacing out and being absentminded. For blurry vision or unfocused mind.
Questions
Is もさっと mostly used for people?
Yes, it usually describes a person's behavior (absentminded) or their appearance and style (unrefined).
What is the difference between もさっと and ぼさっと?
They sound similar and both can mean absentminded. However, もさっと strongly emphasizes a lack of sophistication, while ぼさっと often emphasizes idleness or untidy hair.
Can I use もさっと as a compliment?
No, it generally carries a negative or critical tone regarding someone's lack of sharpness or style.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454780
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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- もっさり (mossari)