Entry
もわもわ
mowamowa
Describes a state where vapor, smoke, heat, or smells thickly fill the air and linger.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Mowamowa is used to describe an atmospheric condition where something like steam, cigarette smoke, or intense heat permeates the surrounding air, making it feel thick, hazy, or slightly suffocating.
- Air filled with visible vapor or smoke.
- Atmosphere feeling heavy with heat or strong scents.
Sense Map
Steam and Smoke
When visible vapor or smoke fills a room or area.
湯気でもわもわしている
Heat and Odor
When the air feels thick due to high temperature or a strong, lingering smell.
夏の熱気でもわもわする
Usage Note
How to Use
もわもわとする
もわもわとしている
Used to describe the current state of a place being filled with steam or smoke.
もわもわとした名詞
Used to modify a noun, such as 'heat' or 'atmosphere'.
もわもわと動詞
How to Use
Common Phrases
湯気でもわもわしている
Filled with steam
もわもわとした熱気
Stuffy heat
煙でもわもわする
To become smoky
もわもわ立ち上がる
To rise up thickly (like steam)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sauna or hot spring | Neutral | Describes a thick layer of steam where visibility is low. |
| Smoky room | Slightly negative | Indicates discomfort due to poor air quality. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もわっ もわっ / similar | Use for a single puff or a sudden sensation of steam/heat. | Mowamowa describes a continuous, lingering state. | ドアを開けるともわっとした。 |
むわむわ むわむわ / similar | Use when emphasizing the unpleasantness of humidity and heat. | Mowamowa focuses more on the visible presence of vapor or the thickness of the air. | 熱気でむわむわする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for soft physical objects.
For soft or fluffy objects, use fuwafuwa. Mowamowa is for air and atmosphere.
Using it for distinct clouds of smoke.
Use mokumoku to describe the shape of billowing smoke clouds.
Examples
Examples
真冬の露天風呂は湯気でもわもわとしている。
まふゆのろてんぶろはゆげでもわもわとしている。
The outdoor hot spring in midwinter is filled with steam.
LiteralDescribes a typical onsen scene where steam blocks the view.
この部屋タバコの煙でもわもわしてるんだけど！
このへやタバコのけむりでもわもわしてるんだけど！
This room is filled with cigarette smoke and feels stuffy!
FigurativeShows annoyance because the indoor air is unhealthy.
もわもわとした夏の熱気の中、散歩に出かける。
もわもわとしたなつのねっきのなか、さんぽにでかける。
Going for a walk in the stifling summer heat.
VisualDescribes heat that seems to vibrate in the air.
鍋の蓋を開けたら、湯気がもわもわと立ち上がった。
なべのふたをあけたら、ゆげがもわもわとたちあがった。
When the lid of the pot was opened, steam rose up thickly.
VisualEmphasizes the large volume of steam coming out gradually.
満員電車の中は、人の熱気で常にもわもわしている。
まんいんでんしゃのなかは、ひとのねっきでつねにもわもわしている。
Inside the crowded train, it's always stuffy with the heat from people.
FigurativeDescribes physical discomfort in a crowded, enclosed space.
Similar Words
もわっ
もわっ
Use for a single puff or a sudden sensation of steam/heat. Mowamowa describes a continuous, lingering state.
むわむわ
むわむわ
Use when emphasizing the unpleasantness of humidity and heat. Mowamowa focuses more on the visible presence of vapor or the thickness of the air.
Questions
What is the difference between mowamowa and mokumoku?
Mokumoku focuses on the shape of billowing smoke, while mowamowa focuses on the air being saturated with vapor or heat.
Is mowamowa always negative?
Not necessarily, it can be neutral when describing a cozy onsen, but often implies stuffiness.
Can I use mowamowa for my feelings?
No, it is typically used for the physical state of the air or atmosphere.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 905147153
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- goiryoku.com/onomatopoeia/mowamowa/
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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