Autumn is not only a time for enjoying the abundance of nature’s harvest but also for indulging in the pleasure of eating. As the temperature cools and the leaves change colour, our appetites awaken, craving warm and comforting dishes.
In this blog post, we will delve into the unique Japanese sounds associated with eating. These sounds go beyond mere table manners; they reflect the cultural nuances and expressions of enjoyment during mealtime. From the satisfying “mushamusha” of savouring each bite to the enthusiastic “pakupaku” of munching away, we will explore the delightful vocabulary that describes the act of eating in Japan.
Mushamusha: the sound of savouring
“Mogumogu” refers to the situation where one chews their food well. It is a word used in scenes where the number of times one chews during a meal is high, or in similar situations. However, it is also used to describe someone who eats a lot, so it can be said that it has a similar meaning to “pakupaku” in the end.
Pakupaku: The Sound of Munching
“Pakupaku” refers to the situation where one opens their mouth wide and eats enthusiastically. This word is used to describe scenes where it is visible that someone is actively putting food in their mouth while opening it wide. It is a word that is often used to describe people who are known for eating a lot, and this expression is quite popular, so many people should be familiar with it.
Mogumogu: the sound of chewing
“Mogumogu” refers to the situation where one chews their food well. It is a word used in scenes where the number of times one chews during a meal is high, or in similar situations. However, it is also used to describe someone who eats a lot, so it can be said that it has a similar meaning to “pakupaku” in the end.
Morimori: the sounds of actively
“Morimori” refers to the state of eating more and more with a hearty appetite. It also describes the state of doing things with great enthusiasm or eagerness. Growing children often express their hearty appetites by saying “morimori taberu” (eating a lot).
Gatsugatsu: the sound of pigging out
“Gatsugatsu” is used to describe a mannerless way of eating, without caring about etiquette, where one greedily shovels food into their mouth as they please. For me, it is similar to “pigging out”.
It not only refers to the unattractiveness of the way of eating but also the excessive amount of food being consumed, as if everything in front of them is being stuffed into their mouth.
Originally, it is a word that expresses one’s appetite, but it has come to be used to describe desires other than hunger in general. These desires can include the desire for wealth, wanting more money than others, the desire for sexual gratification, or the ambition to aim higher in life.
It is expressed as “gatsugatsu,” meaning “the state of openly and shamelessly pursuing various desires without trying to hide them.”
Kuchakucha: the sound of rude
“Kuchakucha” expresses the sound of the act of making chewing sounds with your mouth open during meals. This eating behaviour is often observed in individuals who habitually breathe through their mouths. Mouth breathing weakens the ability to close the mouth, and habitual mouth closure can feel suffocating, leading to the habit of keeping the mouth open even while chewing. In Japan, this is considered a very unpleasant sound, and people who eat with a loud and open mouth are called “Kuchaler”.
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