Entry
もたもた
motamota
Describes doing something slowly, clumsily, or inefficiently, often wasting time.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that describes a lack of promptness, efficiency, or skill in an action. It is often used when someone is fumbling, dawdling, or taking too long to complete a task, typically causing frustration or impatience in others.
- Acting slowly/clumsily
- Dawdling or hesitating
Sense Map
Action/Movement
Acting slowly, clumsily, or inefficiently when performing a task.
レジでもたもたする。
Decision/Progress
Dawdling, wasting time, or hesitating instead of making a quick decision.
もたもたしているとバスに乗り遅れるよ。
Usage Note
How to Use
もたもたする
Used as a verb to describe the act of being slow, clumsy, or dawdling.
もたもたしている
Progressive form indicating the state of currently dawdling or being inefficient.
もたもたと + verb
Used as an adverb to modify how an action is being performed (inefficiently or slowly).
How to Use
Common Phrases
もたもたする
to dawdle
もたもたしている
is dawdling
レジでもたもたする
to fumble at the register
準備にもたもたする
to be slow getting ready
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| When someone is taking too long at the register. | negative | Expresses frustration because the person is fumbling with coins or their wallet, holding up the line. |
| When urging someone to hurry. | negative | Often used as a command like 'もたもたしないで' (Don't dawdle) to push someone to act faster. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐずぐず ぐずぐず / similar | Often involves complaining, reluctance, or hesitation before starting an action. | もたもた focuses on the inefficiency during the action, while ぐずぐず focuses on the delay in initiating due to reluctance. | ぐずぐず文句を言う。 |
のろのろ のろのろ / similar | Simply describes a slow physical speed or pace, like a snail or a slow car. | もたもた implies clumsiness and often frustrates others, whereas のろのろ is purely about low speed. | のろのろ運転する。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it merely to mean 'low speed' (like a slow car).
Use 'のろのろ' for pure slow physical speed. 'もたもた' implies clumsiness, inefficiency, and often wasting time.
Using it in formal or polite contexts to describe a superior.
It is a casual, slightly critical word. Avoid using it for a boss or customer, as it sounds disrespectful.
Examples
Examples
もたもたしていると、電車に乗り遅れるよ。
もたもたしていると、でんしゃにのりおくれるよ。
If you keep dawdling, you'll miss the train.
FigurativeUsed as a warning to hurry up.
レジの前で財布が見つからず、もたもたしてしまった。
レジのまえでさいふがみつからず、もたもたしてしまった。
I couldn't find my wallet at the register and ended up fumbling around.
LiteralDescribes fumbling and taking too long due to clumsiness.
準備にもたもたしていて、約束の時間に遅れてしまった。
じゅんびにもたもたしていて、やくそくのじかんにおくれてしまった。
I was slow getting ready and ended up being late for the appointment.
FigurativeFocuses on inefficiency causing a delay.
いつまでももたもたしないで、早く決めてください。
いつまでももたもたしないで、はやくきめてください。
Stop hesitating and make a decision quickly.
FigurativeA direct request to stop delaying a decision.
彼は仕事のやり方がもたもたしている。
かれはしごとのやりかたがもたもたしている。
The way he works is slow and inefficient.
LiteralDescribes a lack of skill or promptness in performing tasks.
Similar Words
ぐずぐず
guzuguzu
Describes a state of being slow to act due to hesitation or laziness, as well as the act of complaining or muttering. Focuses on reluctance or hesitation before starting.
のろのろ
noronoro
Moving or progressing at a very slow and inefficient pace. Purely describes a slow physical speed.
Questions
Can I use もたもた for a slow-moving animal?
Not usually. For a turtle or snail, use のろのろ. もたもた is for clumsy or inefficient actions, usually by people.
What is the difference between もたもた and ゆっくり?
ゆっくり is a neutral or positive word meaning 'slowly' or 'at a relaxed pace'. もたもた is negative, meaning 'too slow and inefficient'.
Is it rude to say もたもたしている to a friend?
It can be critical. It implies they are being too slow and you are getting impatient, so use it carefully even with friends.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1012600
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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