Entry
ムギュウ
mugyuu
Describes the action of squeezing someone or something softly but tightly, like a warm, affectionate hug.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
"ムギュウ" (mugyuu) represents the warm, physical sensation or affectionate action of squeezing someone or something softly but tightly. It is typically used for a warm hug between friends, family, or romantic partners, as well as squeezing a soft plush toy or a cute pet.
- affectionate hug
- squeezing a soft object
Sense Map
Affectionate Hug
Hugging a person or pet warmly and tightly to express deep affection.
友達とムギュウする。
Squeezing a Soft Object
Holding a soft object, like a cushion or stuffed toy, tightly for comfort.
ぬいぐるみをムギュウと抱く。
Usage Note
How to Use
ムギュウする
Used as a suru-verb meaning 'to give a tight hug' or 'to squeeze affectionately'.
ムギュウと + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying a physical action, typically verbs like hugging (抱きしめる).
ムギュウって + verb
A casual conversational variant of 'ムギュウと', commonly used when speaking informally with close ones.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ムギュウする
to give a tight, affectionate hug
ムギュウと抱きしめる
to hug tightly and warmly
ぬいぐるみをムギュウする
to squeeze a plush toy tightly
ムギュウって抱きつく
to throw one's arms around someone tightly (casual)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hugging a loved one | positive | Expresses deep affection, warmth, and closeness, often used with children, partners, or close friends. |
| Hugging a stuffed animal | neutral | Conveys a sense of seeking comfort, security, or enjoying the softness of the object. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎゅう ぎゅう / similar | Use for a strong squeeze or tight hug, which can sometimes be forceful or require physical effort. | "ムギュウ" emphasizes softness, warmth, and affection, while "ぎゅう" focuses more on the physical force and tightness of the squeeze. | ぎゅうっと握る。 |
ぴっとり ぴっとり / nearby | Use when someone is snuggling closely or sticking tightly to someone else. | "ぴっとり" describes surface contact and clinging, whereas "ムギュウ" describes the inward pressure of a warm embrace. | ぴっとり寄り添う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using "ムギュウ" to describe aggressively crushing or destroying something.
"ムギュウ" is strictly used for soft, affectionate, or comforting squeezes. For forceful crushing, use words like "ぐしゃぐしゃ" or "ぎゅうぎゅう".
Using "ムギュウ" in formal or business Japanese.
This is a very casual, often intimate or childish word. Avoid using it in formal situations or with superiors.
Examples
Examples
子供が大きなぬいぐるみをムギュウと抱きしめた。
こども が おおきな ぬいぐるみ を ムギュウ と だきしめた。
The child gave the large plush toy a tight, affectionate hug.
VisualDescribes the physical action of hugging a soft object.
久しぶりに会った親友とムギュウした。
ひさしぶり に あった しんゆう と ムギュウ した。
I gave my best friend a tight hug after not seeing them for a long time.
LiteralDescribes a tight hug that shows affection and longing.
可愛い子猫を見て、思わずムギュウってしたくなった。
かわいい こねこ を みて、おもわず ムギュウ って したくなった。
Looking at the cute kitten, I involuntarily wanted to give it a tight squeeze.
LiteralUsed for the spontaneous urge to squeeze something incredibly cute.
悲しい時は、お母さんにムギュウしてもらうのが一番だ。
かなしい とき は、おかあさん に ムギュウ してもらう の が いちばん だ。
When I'm sad, getting a tight hug from mom is the best.
FigurativeFocuses on the emotional comfort received from the hug.
クッションをムギュウって抱えると、心が落ち着く。
クッション を ムギュウ って かかえる と、こころ が おちつく。
When I hold a cushion tightly, my mind feels calm.
FigurativeDescribes the calming effect of the physical sensation of squeezing something.
Similar Words
ぎゅう
gyuu
ぎゅう (gyuu) describes the action of pressing, squeezing, or hugging something very tightly, as well as applying severe psychological pressure. Focuses more on physical force and pressure during a squeeze.
ぴっとり
pittori
ぴっとり (pittori) describes the state of two soft surfaces or bodies clinging tightly and closely together, often with a snug or intimate feel. Describes snuggling or clinging closely to someone.
Questions
What is the difference between "ムギュウ" (mugyuu) and "ぎゅう" (gyuu)?
"ぎゅう" focuses on physical strength and pressure during a squeeze, while "ムギュウ" carries a strong nuance of softness, affection, and emotional warmth.
Can I use "ムギュウ" at work?
No, you shouldn't. This word is highly casual and has an intimate or childish vibe, making it inappropriate for professional or formal contexts.
Is "ムギュウ" only used for humans?
No, it's very common to use "ムギュウ" when hugging cute pets or soft inanimate objects like plushies and cushions.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2464810
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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