Entry
モワァ〜ン
mowaa-n
A soft, lingering whooshing or swishing sound, or the sensation of something spreading slowly through the air.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes a gentle whoosh or swish, such as something moving through the air with a soft resonance. It can also convey the feeling of air, warmth, vapor, or a scent slowly spreading and lingering in a space.
- Soft whoosh in the air
- Slow spread of scent or warm air
- Hazy or fuzzy feeling in the head
Sense Map
Soft whooshing sound
A gentle swishing or whooshing sound made by an object moving through the air or a soft breeze.
バットを振ると、モワァ〜ンと音がした。
Spreading sensation
The slow and lingering spread of air, scent, or vapor filling a space.
部屋中にモワァ〜ンと甘い香りが漂っている。
Usage Note
How to Use
モワァ〜ンと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe the manner in which a sound occurs, or how air and scents spread.
モワァ〜ンとする
Used to describe a state of haziness or fogginess, very commonly used to describe a head filled with sleepiness or a lingering feeling.
How to Use
Common Phrases
モワァ〜ンと広がる
to spread softly and linger (scent/air)
モワァ〜ンと漂う
to waft softly (scent/vapor)
モワァ〜ンと音がする
to make a soft whooshing sound
頭がモワァ〜ンとする
one's head feels fuzzy/hazy
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sound of movement | neutral | Indicates a gentle, broad swish rather than a sharp cut. |
| Spread of smell or air | neutral | Describes an enveloping sensation, often used for incense, perfume, or a wave of humidity. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
びゅんびゅん びゅんびゅん / opposite | Use when something moves rapidly and repeatedly through the air with strong force. | Unlike this word, it conveys intense, rapid, and sharp speed rather than slow, soft spreading. | 風がビュンビュン吹く。 |
ぶわっ ぶわっ / contrast | Use when something spreads, swells, or blows out suddenly in one quick burst. | Different because it emphasizes sudden, explosive spreading, not a slow, lingering creep. | 風がぶわっと吹き込む。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for the sharp sound of a sword slash or a fast bullet.
This word specifically lacks sharpness. It represents a dull, resonant, or soft movement. For sharp sounds, use words like ビュッ (byu).
Thinking it is only for sound.
It is heavily used for the tactile sensation of warm air hitting the face, or the olfactory sensation of a smell filling a room.
Examples
Examples
暖かい空気がモワァ〜ンと顔に当たった。
あたたかい くうきが モワァ〜ンと かおに あたった。
Warm air hit my face with a gentle whoosh.
VisualDescribes the physical sensation of warm air moving.
バットを振ると、モワァ〜ンと音がした。
バットを ふると、 モワァ〜ンと おとが した。
When I swung the bat, it made a soft whooshing sound.
LiteralDirect example of a sound swinging through the air.
扉を開けると、古い本の匂いがモワァーンと漂ってきた。
とびらを あけると、 ふるい ほんの においが モワァーンと ただよって きた。
Opening the door, the scent of old books drifted out softly.
LiteralDescribes a scent spreading slowly.
お香の煙が部屋中にモワァ〜ンと広がった。
おこうの けむりが へやじゅうに モワァ〜ンと ひろがった。
The incense smoke spread lingeringly throughout the room.
VisualCaptures the visual element of smoke spreading slowly.
眠気で頭がモワァーンとしている。
ねむけで あたまが モワァーンと している。
My head feels fuzzy and hazy from sleepiness.
FigurativeFigurative use for an unclear mind.
Similar Words
ビュンビュン
byunbyun
Indicates a very fast, strong, and sharp swish, the opposite of mowa~n.
ぶわっ
buwa
Indicates a very sudden and explosive spreading.
Questions
Is this word used for sharp sounds?
No, it is used for soft, lingering sounds that completely lack sharpness.
Can I use it for smells?
Yes, it is extremely common to use it for scents or warm air that spread slowly and linger.
What is the difference from 'mowa mowa'?
'Mowa mowa' is repetitive and describes continuous fuzziness or a hazy visual state (like thick smoke), while 'mowa~n' focuses on a single spreading and lingering action.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2147960
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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