Entry
ムッと
mutto
Describes a sudden surge of being offended or annoyed, or an uncomfortably hot and stuffy atmosphere.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two primary uses. First, it describes an abrupt feeling of internalized anger, offense, or annoyance, often resulting in a sullen or huffy expression. Second, it describes environmental conditions—specifically air that is stiflingly hot, muggy, and lacking ventilation, making it uncomfortable to breathe.
- A sudden, internalized feeling of offense or annoyance.
- Uncomfortably hot, humid, and stuffy air.
- Firmly shutting one's lips out of displeasure.
Sense Map
Emotion (Offended)
Suddenly feeling annoyed or offended by something unpleasant.
失礼な言葉にムッとする。
Atmosphere (Stuffy)
Air that is stifling, hot, and muggy.
部屋に入るとムッとする熱気を感じた。
Physical Action
Tightly closing one's mouth to show displeasure or sullenness.
彼はムッと口を閉ざした。
Usage Note
How to Use
ムッとする
Used to say that someone is offended/annoyed, or that the air feels stuffy.
ムッとくる
Emphasizes the sudden onset or welling up of irritation in one's chest.
ムッとした + Noun
Modifies a noun, commonly used to describe a 'sullen face' or 'stuffy heat'.
ムッと + Verb
Acts as an adverb modifying a physical action, most often 'shutting one's mouth'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ムッとする
to get annoyed / to be stuffy
ムッとくる
to feel a sudden surge of annoyance
ムッとした顔
a sullen face / an annoyed look
ムッと口を閉ざす
to firmly shut one's mouth (in displeasure)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing a rude comment | negative | Indicates feeling strongly offended, though the person usually refrains from yelling immediately. |
| Entering a closed room in summer | negative | Captures the unpleasant sensation of thick, suffocating heat. |
| Facial expressions | neutral | A tight-lipped expression signaling reluctance to speak or hidden displeasure. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
むかっと むかっと / similar | Used when anger surges more explosively and outward, or when feeling physically nauseated. | Unlike ムッと, which implies sullen or internalized annoyance, ムカッと implies a stronger, outward anger or physical nausea. | 態度にムカッとする。 |
むんむん むんむん / similar | Used to describe a space filled with intense heat, steam, or strong odors. | Only refers to environmental or atmospheric conditions; it is never used to describe human feelings of offense. | 熱気でむんむんする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for violent, screaming anger.
Use it for internalized irritation, silent offense, or a sullen expression.
Using it simply for hot, sunny weather.
It must be used for hot AND uncomfortably stuffy, humid, or poorly ventilated air.
Examples
Examples
彼の失礼な態度に思わずムッとした。
かれのしつれいなたいどにおもわずムッとした。
I was suddenly offended by his rude attitude.
FigurativeShows the sudden onset of offense caused by someone else's behavior.
部屋に入ると、ムッとするような熱気だった。
へやにはいると、ムッとするようなねっきだった。
When I entered the room, there was a stiflingly stuffy heat.
LiteralDescribes the physical environment—specifically hot, uncomfortable air.
彼女はムッと口を閉ざして何も言わなかった。
かのじょはムッとくちをとざしてなにもいわなかった。
She firmly shut her mouth in displeasure and said nothing.
VisualFocuses on the visual appearance of tightly closed lips showing displeasure.
言い訳ばかりする後輩にムッとくる。
いいわけばかりするこうはいにムッとくる。
I get annoyed by my junior who always makes excuses.
FigurativeThe use of 'kuru' emphasizes the process of annoyance swelling up.
父はムッとした顔で立ち上がった。
ちちはムッとしたかおでたちあがった。
My father stood up with a sullen face.
VisualDescribes a stiff facial expression masking negative emotions.
Similar Words
ムカッと
mukatto
Shows a more outward, explosive anger or physical nausea, contrasting with the sullen annoyance of ムッと.
Questions
Can I use 'mutto' to describe throwing a tantrum?
No, 'mutto' describes a quiet, internalized feeling of offense or a sullen mood, not a loud or violent outburst.
Is 'mutto suru' just another way to say it is hot outside?
Not exactly. While it involves heat, it specifically describes an oppressive, stuffy, and muggy feeling, like stepping into a greenhouse or an unventilated room.
Does it have a positive meaning in any context?
No, it consistently carries a negative connotation of discomfort, either emotional (annoyance) or physical (stuffy air).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2597990
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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