Entry
もっさり
mossari
Describes something that is sluggish in movement or performance, bushy and unkempt hair, or an unfashionable design.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a lack of sharpness or refinement in three main ways. First, it describes slow, heavy physical movements or sluggish performance in devices (like a lagging smartphone). Second, it refers to thick, overgrown hair that looks messy and needs cutting. Third, it describes clothes, designs, or overall appearances that are dull, unrefined, and out of style.
- sluggish (movement/performance)
- bushy (hair)
- unfashionable (design/clothes)
Sense Map
Sluggish Movement & Performance
Used for physical movements that feel heavy, or hardware/software performance that lags and responds slowly.
動作がもっさりしている
Bushy & Unkempt Hair
Used for thick, overgrown hair that feels messy and needs a haircut.
もっさりした髪型
Unfashionable & Dull
Used for designs, clothes, or appearances that lack elegance and look old-fashioned or unrefined.
服のデザインがもっさりしている
Usage Note
How to Use
もっさりする
もっさりしている
Most commonly used to describe the ongoing state of being sluggish, bushy, or unfashionable.
もっさりした + noun
Used to modify a noun, such as bushy hair (髪) or a thick, unrefined coat (コート).
もっさりと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed slowly or heavily, like moving (動く) or standing up (立ち上がる).
How to Use
Common Phrases
もっさりした髪
bushy hair
もっさりとした動き
sluggish movement
動作がもっさりしている
performance is sluggish
デザインがもっさりしている
the design is unfashionable
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Device/App Performance | negative | Extremely common in modern Japanese to complain about a stuttering screen or a laggy user interface on a smartphone or computer. |
| Fashion and Design | negative | Indicates that the item is old-fashioned (野暮ったい) and lacks a modern, sophisticated touch. |
| Hair | negative | Gives the impression that the person looks messy and hasn't been to the barber in months. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もさもさ もさもさ / similar | Used specifically for overgrown, fuzzy, or messy hair and fur. | Focuses purely on the physical texture and density of hair, whereas もっさり also extends to slow device performance and bad fashion sense. | もさもさしたヒゲ |
すっきり すっきり / opposite | Used for neat appearances, sharp styles, or minimalist and clean designs. | The direct opposite of もっさり. It implies everything is light, sharp, and free of clutter or heaviness. | すっきりしたデザイン |
ふさふさ ふさふさ / contrast | Used to compliment thick, healthy, and beautiful hair. | A positive term for luxuriant hair, whereas もっさり means the hair looks unkempt and needs a cut. | ふさふさの髪 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using もっさり to compliment someone with nice thick hair.
もっさり implies the hair is overgrown and unkempt. To praise thick hair, use ふさふさ (fusafusa).
Translating "slow" as もっさり when talking about a relaxing weekend passing slowly.
もっさり is only for heavy, sluggish movements or lagging software. For relaxing or unhurried slowness, use ゆっくり (yukkuri).
Examples
Examples
髪が伸びてもっさりしてきた。
かみがのびてもっさりしてきた。
My hair has grown long and started to look bushy.
VisualImplies a need for a haircut.
古いスマートフォンは動作がもっさりしている。
ふるいスマートフォンはどうさがもっさりしている。
The old smartphone's performance is sluggish.
LiteralVery common expression for tech product performance.
彼はもっさりとした動きで立ち上がった。
かれはもっさりとしたうごきでたちあがった。
He stood up with sluggish movements.
LiteralShows a lack of physical agility.
この服はデザインがもっさりしている。
このふくはデザインがもっさりしている。
The design of these clothes is unfashionable and dull.
VisualSimilar in meaning to yabottai (unrefined).
もっさりした厚手のコートを着ている。
もっさりしたあつでのコートをきている。
Wearing a thick coat that looks unrefined.
VisualEmphasizes the heavy, unstylish look.
Similar Words
もさもさ
mosamosa
Describes something growing thickly and unkemptly like hair or vegetation, or a person who moves sluggishly and lacks sharpness. Focuses on overgrown, messy hair.
ふさふさ
fusafusa
This word describes hair or animal fur that is thick, abundant, bushy, and soft to the touch. A positive term for thick, healthy hair.
すっきり
sukkiri
Feeling refreshed, relieved, or appearing neat and clean without any lingering clutter. The opposite; means neat, clean, and sharp.
Questions
What is the difference between もっさり (mossari) and ゆっくり (yukkuri)?
もっさり focuses on a negative sluggishness, feeling heavy, stiff, or laggy. ゆっくり is a neutral word that simply means slowly, unhurriedly, or taking one's time.
Is this word commonly used in technology reviews?
Yes, the phrase '動作がもっさりしている' (performance is sluggish) is standard jargon in Japanese reviews for apps, phones, or video games when they experience lag.
Can I tell my friend their outfit is もっさりしている?
No, that would be an insult. It means their clothes look unrefined, old-fashioned, and lacking in style.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2463440
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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