At the A1 level, you should learn 'mochimochi' as a word specifically for food. Think of it as the sound of eating something soft and bouncy like a marshmallow or a rice cake. You don't need to worry about the grammar of 'shita' yet; just remember that 'mochimochi' means 'chewy and good.' You will mostly hear this in simple sentences about snacks. For example, 'Kono mochi, mochimochi!' (This rice cake is chewy!). It is a fun word to say and will help you express that you like the texture of Japanese sweets. Focus on the connection between the word 'mochi' and the texture it describes. If you like boba tea, the pearls are 'mochimochi.' This level is all about building the mental image of a bouncy, soft food item that is fun to eat.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'mochimochi-shita' to describe nouns. You are moving beyond simple exclamations and starting to form descriptive sentences. You might say 'mochimochi-shita pan' (chewy bread) or 'mochimochi-shita udon.' At this stage, it is important to distinguish 'mochimochi' from 'oishii' (delicious). While many mochimochi things are delicious, 'mochimochi' specifically tells the listener *how* it feels in your mouth. You should also start to notice this word in convenience stores on labels for bread and sweets. Try to use it when you are ordering food or talking about what you ate for lunch. It’s a great way to add detail to your basic Japanese conversations about daily life and food preferences.
At the B1 level, you should understand that 'mochimochi-shita' is an onomatopoeic adjective phrase that describes elasticity and rebound. You should be able to use it not just for food, but also for skincare and tactile sensations. You should understand the grammar: 'mochimochi' is the root, and 'shita' is the perfective form of 'suru' used to modify nouns. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'mochimochi' from similar words like 'fuwa-fuwa' (fluffy) and 'beta-beta' (sticky). You might use it in a sentence like: 'Kono keshōsui o tsukau to, hada ga mochimochi-shimasu' (If you use this lotion, your skin becomes springy). You are expected to use this word to express a nuanced appreciation for texture in both culinary and personal care contexts.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'mochimochi-shita' in more complex grammatical structures and understanding its cultural significance. You should recognize that 'mochimochi' is a key marketing term in Japan, used to evoke a sense of freshness and high quality. You should be able to explain the difference between 'mochimochi' and technical terms like 'danryoku' (elasticity) or 'koshi' (firmness in noodles). At this level, you can use it to describe abstract sensations or high-tech materials, such as a 'mochimochi-shita kanshoku no makura' (a pillow with a springy feel). You should also be aware of the 'mochimochi boom' in Japanese food trends and be able to discuss why this texture is so highly valued in Japanese society compared to other cultures.
At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of the sensory nuances of 'mochimochi-shita.' You can use it to write descriptive essays or reviews that capture the precise 'mouthfeel' of a dish. You should understand how 'mochimochi' interacts with other sensory words to create a vivid picture, such as 'gaika-naichu' (hard on the outside, soft on the inside). You should also be able to identify the word in literature or high-end advertising where it might be used to create a specific mood or brand identity. Furthermore, you should be able to discuss the linguistic category of 'gitaigo' (state-depicting words) and how 'mochimochi' fits into the broader system of Japanese onomatopoeia, including its phonetic symbolism (the 'm' sound often relating to softness or roundness).
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 'mochimochi-shita.' You can use it with perfect precision, knowing exactly when it is more appropriate than 'muchimuchi,' 'punipuni,' or 'shikkuri.' You can engage in deep cultural discussions about the Japanese preference for 'shokkan' (mouthfeel) and how the concept of 'mochimochi' has evolved over time—from its origins in traditional rice-making to its role in modern polymer science and textile engineering. You can appreciate the subtle irony or humor when the word is used out of context and can use it yourself to create evocative, metaphorical language. Your understanding includes the psychological impact of the word on Japanese consumers and its role in the 'kawaii' (cute) aesthetic of tactile objects.

もちもちした in 30 Sekunden

  • A versatile Japanese onomatopoeic adjective describing soft, springy, and elastic textures commonly found in foods like mochi, noodles, and high-quality breads.
  • Widely used in the beauty industry to describe healthy, well-hydrated, and supple skin that has a youthful bounce to the touch.
  • Derived from the noun 'mochi' (rice cake), it conveys a positive sensory experience of resistance and rebound in both taste and touch.
  • Essential for navigating Japanese food culture and marketing, appearing frequently on packaging, TV food reports, and skincare product labels.

The Japanese term もちもちした (mochimochi-shita) is a quintessential example of Japanese onomatopoeia (specifically gitaigo or state-depicting words) that has become an indispensable part of the culinary and cosmetic lexicon. At its core, it describes a texture that is simultaneously soft, elastic, and springy. Imagine the sensation of pressing your finger into a freshly steamed rice cake (mochi); it yields easily but immediately pushes back with a gentle, rubbery resistance. This specific 'rebound' quality is what defines something as being mochimochi. While English speakers might use the word 'chewy,' that translation is often insufficient because 'chewy' can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being tough or difficult to masticate (like overcooked meat). In contrast, mochimochi is almost always positive, suggesting a delightful, fresh, and satisfying physical resistance.

The Culinary Context
In the world of Japanese food, this texture is the gold standard for many starch-based items. It is used to describe high-quality udon noodles, which should have a 'koshi' (backbone/elasticity) that feels springy against the teeth. It is also the primary descriptor for certain types of bread, particularly those made with rice flour or high-protein wheat, which have a dense, moist, and bouncy crumb. Recently, the 'mochimochi' boom has extended to pancakes, donuts (like the famous Pon-de-Ring), and even pasta, where a certain level of 'al dente' combined with Japanese-style springiness is highly prized.

このベーグルは、中がもちもちした食感でとても美味しいです。(Kono bēguru wa, naka ga mochimochi-shita shokkan de totemo oishii desu.) - This bagel is very delicious with a chewy, springy texture on the inside.

The Cosmetic and Tactile Context
Beyond food, mochimochi is a high compliment for skin. In the Japanese beauty industry, 'mochi-hada' (mochi-skin) refers to a complexion that is so well-hydrated and supple that it feels soft and bouncy to the touch. It implies a youthful elasticity and a lack of dryness. You will see this word plastered across lotion bottles, face masks, and moisturizers, promising the consumer that their skin will regain that coveted springy feel. It can also describe fabrics, such as high-quality microfibers or plush toys (nuigurumi), that have a particularly satisfying, squishy-yet-firm resistance when hugged.

Culturally, the obsession with mochimochi reflects a broader Japanese appreciation for 'shokkan' (mouthfeel). While Western culinary traditions often prioritize flavor profiles (sweet, salty, umami), Japanese cuisine places an equal, if not greater, emphasis on the physical sensation of food in the mouth. Achieving the perfect mochimochi state requires precise control over moisture content and temperature, making it a mark of craftsmanship in both traditional confectionery and modern industrial food production. Whether you are eating a bowl of thick Sanuki udon or applying a premium hyaluronic acid serum, you are engaging with a texture that represents health, freshness, and comfort in Japanese culture.

Grammatically, もちもちした is the past/perfective form of the verb mochimochi-suru, used here as an attributive adjective to modify a noun. While you can also say mochimochi-no or mochimochi-na in some informal contexts, mochimochi-shita is the most standard and versatile way to describe a noun's inherent state of springiness. It functions much like any other adjective in Japanese, typically appearing directly before the noun it modifies, such as in mochimochi-shita pan (springy bread) or mochimochi-shita hada (supple skin).

Attributive Usage (Modifying Nouns)
This is the most common pattern. You place the phrase before the object you are describing. For example: 'Mochimochi-shita o-hada' (Supple skin). The 'shita' part implies that the object has 'attained' or 'possesses' this state. It sounds more descriptive and vivid than a simple static adjective.

彼女の肌は、まるで赤ちゃんのようになめらかでもちもちした感触だ。(Kanojo no hada wa, marude akachan no yō ni nameraka de mochimochi-shita kanshoku da.) - Her skin feels smooth and springy, just like a baby's.

Predicative Usage (Ending a Sentence)
If you want to say 'This food IS chewy,' you would typically use the present form mochimochi shite iru (currently in the state of being mochimochi) or simply mochimochi da. However, mochimochi-shita can be used at the end of a sentence in a more emotive or exclamatory way, especially when recounting an experience: 'Kono udon, mochimochi-shite oishii!' (This udon is springy and delicious!).

When describing food, it is often paired with the noun shokkan (食感 - mouthfeel/texture). For example, mochimochi-shita shokkan ga tamaranai (The chewy texture is irresistible). This combination is a staple of Japanese food blogging and television food reviews. When describing skin, it is often paired with kansho-ku (感触 - feel/touch). Understanding these pairings will help you sound more natural. Furthermore, you can intensify the meaning by using adverbs like sugoku (very) or totemo (extremely), as in sugoku mochimochi-shite iru. In casual speech, you might even hear people just say 'Mochimochi!' as a one-word exclamation upon biting into a particularly good piece of mochi or a bao bun.

In Japan, you are likely to encounter もちもちした daily, as it is a pillar of the country's sensory marketing. The most frequent place is the supermarket or convenience store. Look at the packaging for bread (especially 'shokupan' or milk bread), pasta, and chilled desserts. You will often see the word written in hiragana (もちもち) to emphasize its soft and friendly nature, or sometimes in katakana (モチモチ) for a more modern, 'popping' visual effect. Advertisements for tapioca (boba) pearls almost exclusively use this word to describe the perfect chewiness of the pearls.

Television and Media
If you watch Japanese variety shows or 'gourmet' programs, you will hear the 'tarento' (celebrities) shout 'Mochimochi!' the moment they taste noodles or dumplings. It is one of the 'Big Three' food descriptors alongside 'Oishii' (delicious) and 'Fuwa-fuwa' (fluffy). In these contexts, the word is used to convey a sense of satisfaction and high quality. The sound of the word itself—the repetitive 'mochi'—mimics the rhythmic chewing motion, making it highly evocative for the audience.

テレビの食レポで、タレントが「このうどんはもちもちしたコシがあって最高ですね!」と言っていた。(Terebi no shokurepo de, tarento ga 'Kono udon wa mochimochi-shita koshi ga atte saikō desu ne!' to itte ita.) - On a TV food report, the celebrity said, 'This udon has a springy elasticity that is just the best!'

Beauty and Skincare Stores
Walk into a drugstore like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and you will see mochimochi everywhere in the skincare aisle. It is used to describe the result of using 'yoku-shitsu' (high quality) lotions. Sales clerks will often use the phrase mochimochi-hada ni narimasu yo (Your skin will become springy/supple) to pitch products. In this context, it is associated with the 'glass skin' or 'honey skin' trends, where the goal is a plump, hydrated look that reflects light beautifully.

Finally, you'll hear it in casual conversations among friends. When someone buys a new pillow, a plushie, or even a new sweater made of a specific synthetic blend, they might describe it as mochimochi-shite ite kimochi ii (It feels springy and good). It is a word that bridges the gap between taste and touch, making it one of the most versatile sensory adjectives in the Japanese language. Learning to use it correctly will instantly make your Japanese sound more expressive and native-like, as it shows you are tapping into the specific sensory values of the culture.

While もちもちした is a very common word, learners often confuse it with other onomatopoeic terms that describe similar but distinct textures. The most frequent error is confusing it with べたべた (beta-beta) or ねばねば (neba-neba). While mochi is indeed sticky, mochimochi refers to the elasticity and rebound, whereas beta-beta refers to something that sticks to your fingers (like glue or sweat) and neba-neba refers to something stringy and slimy (like natto or okra). Using mochimochi to describe natto would be incorrect and confusing to a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Fuwa-fuwa'
Another common mistake is using mochimochi when you actually mean fuwa-fuwa (fluffy). Cotton candy is fuwa-fuwa because it is full of air and has no resistance. A marshmallow is both fuwa-fuwa (soft/airy) and mochimochi (springy). If you describe a light sponge cake as mochimochi, a Japanese person might think the cake is underbaked or dense, which could be interpreted as a criticism rather than a compliment.

× このケーキはもちもちした。(Incorrect for a light sponge cake)
○ このケーキはふわふわした。(Correct for a light sponge cake)

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Chewy' meat
As mentioned before, 'chewy' in English is often used for meat that takes a long time to chew. In Japanese, you would almost never use mochimochi for steak or squid. For meat, you might use danjoku-ga-aru (has elasticity) or kamigotae-ga-aru (has a good bite/resistance). Using mochimochi for meat sounds very strange, as it implies the meat has the texture of a rice cake.

A final subtle mistake involves the grammar of shita. Learners sometimes forget that mochimochi-shita is an attributive form. If you want to say 'The texture is chewy,' you should say shokkan ga mochimochi shite iru. Using shokkan ga mochimochi-shita at the end of a sentence can sound like an incomplete thought or a very specific past-tense observation ('The texture was chewy'). Stick to shite iru for descriptions of current states to ensure clarity.

While もちもちした is the king of springy textures, several other words occupy nearby semantic space. Understanding the nuances between these will help you describe things with much greater precision. The most closely related term is むちむち (muchimuchi). While they sound similar, muchimuchi is often used to describe things that are more 'plump' or 'fleshy' in a way that feels packed or tight. When used for people, it can mean 'curvy' or 'chubby' in a healthy, firm way. Using mochimochi for a person's body (other than their skin) is less common than muchimuchi.

Mochimochi vs. Gumi-gumi
ぐみぐみ (Gumi-gumi) is derived from 'gummy' (as in gummy bears). It describes a texture that is much tougher and more rubbery than mochimochi. If mochimochi is a soft rice cake, gumi-gumi is a Haribo gummy. You use gumi-gumi for things that require significant effort to bite through, whereas mochimochi yields more easily.

このタピオカはもちもちした食感ですが、こちらのグミはもっとぐみぐみした強い弾力があります。(Kono tapioka wa mochimochi-shita shokkan desu ga, kochira no gumi wa motto gumigumi-shita tsuyoi danryoku ga arimasu.) - These boba pearls have a springy texture, but these gummies have a tougher, rubbery elasticity.

Mochimochi vs. Shikkuri
しっくり (Shikkuri) is often used in the context of skin or fit. While mochimochi describes the physical bounce of the skin, shikkuri describes how well a product (like a cream) 'fits' or 'settles' into the skin. It can also mean that something feels 'just right' or 'fits perfectly' in a metaphorical sense. If a moisturizer is good, it might feel shikkuri coming on and leave the skin mochimochi afterward.

Other alternatives include ぷにぷに (punipuni), which is used for things that are squishy and cute, like a cat's paw pads or a baby's cheeks. Punipuni focuses more on the 'squish' factor, while mochimochi focuses on the 'bounce-back' factor. In professional culinary settings, you might hear 弾力がある (danryoku ga aru), which is the formal, non-onomatopoeic way to say 'has elasticity.' While mochimochi is expressive and sensory, danryoku is technical and objective. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to sound like a food critic (danryoku), a happy customer (mochimochi), or someone cooing at a cute puppy (punipuni).

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Japanese has thousands of onomatopoeic words, and 'mochimochi' is one of the most commercially successful ones, often appearing in product names to boost sales.

Aussprachehilfe

UK məʊ.tʃi.məʊ.tʃi.ʃi.tə
US moʊ.tʃi.moʊ.tʃi.ʃi.tə
Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'mochimochi', the pitch is generally flat (Heiban style), meaning there is no strong stress on any syllable.
Reimt sich auf
Pochipochi (click-click) Tokidoki (sometimes) Nikoniko (smiling) Kirakira (sparkling) Fuwafuwa (fluffy) Pikapika (shiny) Perapera (fluent) Kurukuru (spinning)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'mochi' like 'mot-chee' (don't double the 't' sound).
  • Stressing the 'chi' too much.
  • Making the 'o' sound like 'ah' (it should be 'oh').
  • Pronouncing 'shita' as 'shee-tah' (it's a very short 'shi').
  • Elongating the 'i' in 'mochi' too much.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to read as it is usually in Hiragana, but understanding the 'shita' grammar requires B1 knowledge.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the repetitive structure and the 'shita' suffix.

Sprechen 2/5

Very fun and easy to say once you get the 'o' and 'i' sounds right.

Hören 1/5

Very distinctive sound; hard to miss in food or beauty contexts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

餅 (Mochi) する (Suru) 食感 (Shokkan) 肌 (Hada) パン (Pan)

Als Nächstes lernen

ふわふわ (Fuwafuwa) サクサク (Sakusaku) つるつる (Tsurutsuru) どろどろ (Dorodoro) ぱさぱさ (Pasapasa)

Fortgeschritten

弾力 (Danryoku) 粘弾性 (Nendansei) 糊化 (Koka) 質感 (Shitsukan) 咀嚼 (Soshaku)

Wichtige Grammatik

Onomatopoeia + した to modify nouns

きらきらした星 (Sparkling stars)

Onomatopoeia + している for current state

お腹がぺこぺこしている (I am hungry)

Onomatopoeia + になる for change in state

肌がつるつるになる (Skin becomes smooth)

The use of 'shita' as a past-participle modifier

整った顔 (A well-proportioned face)

Reduplication in Japanese for emphasis

いろいろ (Various), 時々 (Sometimes)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

このパンは、もちもちしています。

This bread is chewy/springy.

Simple 'verb-shite-iru' form for a current state.

2

もちもちしたお菓子が好きです。

I like chewy sweets.

Attributive use modifying 'okashi'.

3

うどんがもちもちでおいしい!

The udon is chewy and delicious!

Casual 'de' particle used to connect adjectives.

4

このもちはもちもちした食感です。

This mochi has a springy texture.

Standard 'shita' modifying 'shokkan'.

5

ドーナツがもちもちだね。

The donut is springy, isn't it?

Casual 'da' ending.

6

もちもちした食べ物を食べます。

I eat springy food.

Basic VO sentence with a modified noun.

7

これはもちもちしたボールです。

This is a squishy/springy ball.

Using the word for a non-food object.

8

もちもち、おいしいね!

Chewy and delicious, right?

Very casual exclamation.

1

もちもちしたパンを買いに行きましょう。

Let's go buy some chewy bread.

Volitional form 'ikimashō' with a modified noun.

2

このうどんは、とてももちもちしたコシがあります。

This udon has a very springy elasticity.

Using 'koshi' (elasticity) with 'mochimochi-shita'.

3

赤ちゃんの肌はもちもちした感触です。

A baby's skin has a springy feel.

Describing tactile sensation 'kanshoku'.

4

お米がもちもちした炊き上がりになりました。

The rice turned out with a chewy finish.

Describing the result of cooking.

5

もちもちしたパスタを作りました。

I made some springy pasta.

Simple past tense verb with a modified noun.

6

このクッションは、もちもちした触り心地がいいです。

This cushion has a nice springy feel to it.

Compound noun 'sawari-gokochi' (feel to the touch).

7

タピオカのもちもちした食感が好きです。

I like the chewy texture of boba.

Possessive 'no' linking the subject to the texture.

8

もちもちしたピザの生地が好きです。

I like chewy pizza dough.

Describing 'kiji' (dough/batter).

1

この化粧水を使うと、肌がもちもちした状態になります。

Using this lotion makes your skin springy.

Conditional 'to' followed by a state description.

2

もちもちした食感を楽しむために、冷たい水で麺を締めました。

I rinsed the noodles in cold water to enjoy the chewy texture.

Purpose clause 'tame ni' with a modified noun.

3

このぬいぐるみは、もちもちした素材でできています。

This plush toy is made of a springy material.

Passive form 'dekite iru' describing material composition.

4

もちもちした食感のベーグルは、腹持ちがいいです。

Chewy bagels are very filling.

Compound word 'haramochi' (staying full).

5

最近、もちもちした食感のスイーツが流行っています。

Lately, sweets with a springy texture are in fashion.

Progressive form 'hayatte iru' (is popular).

6

米粉を使うことで、もちもちした食感のケーキが焼けます。

By using rice flour, you can bake a cake with a springy texture.

Instrumental 'de' (by means of) and potential 'yakeru'.

7

もちもちした弾力のある麺が、このスープによく合います。

The springy, elastic noodles go well with this soup.

Multiple modifiers for the noun 'men'.

8

彼女はもちもちした白い肌をしています。

She has springy, white skin.

Using 'wo shite iru' to describe physical features.

1

このうどんの最大の特徴は、噛むほどに増すもちもちした弾力です。

The main feature of this udon is the springy elasticity that increases as you chew.

Grammar 'hodo ni' (the more... the more).

2

もちもちした感触を維持するために、特殊なポリマーが使用されています。

Special polymers are used to maintain that springy feel.

Formal passive 'shiyō sarete iru'.

3

そのクリームを塗ると、翌朝には肌がもちもちした質感に変わります。

Apply that cream, and by the next morning, your skin will change to a springy texture.

Time marker 'ni wa' and change verb 'kawaru'.

4

もちもちした食感を追求した結果、この新商品が誕生しました。

As a result of pursuing a springy texture, this new product was born.

Noun 'kekka' (result) used as a conjunction.

5

パン生地をしっかり捏ねることで、もちもちした仕上がりになります。

By kneading the dough thoroughly, you get a chewy finish.

Nominalizer 'koto' and formal resultative 'ni naru'.

6

この枕はもちもちしたフィット感があり、安眠を助けます。

This pillow has a springy fit and helps with sound sleep.

Compound 'fitto-kan' (sense of fit).

7

もちもちした食感の食品は、満腹感を得やすいと言われています。

It is said that foods with a springy texture make it easier to feel full.

Passive report 'to iwarete iru'.

8

伝統的な製法を守ることで、このもちもちした粘りを実現しています。

By sticking to traditional methods, they achieve this springy stickiness.

Verb 'jitsugen suru' (to realize/achieve).

1

その小説では、春の土壌の柔らかさが「もちもちした」と表現されていた。

In that novel, the softness of the spring soil was described as 'mochimochi-shita'.

Quotative 'to' with a passive verb 'hyōgen sarete ita'.

2

もちもちした食感の根底には、日本人の米に対する深い愛着がある。

At the root of the preference for springy textures lies the deep Japanese affection for rice.

Abstract noun 'kontei' (foundation/root).

3

この新素材は、もちもちした弾力と驚異的な耐久性を兼ね備えている。

This new material combines springy elasticity with incredible durability.

Verb 'kane-sonaeru' (to possess both).

4

マーケティング戦略において、「もちもちした」という響きは消費者の購買意欲をそそる。

In marketing strategy, the sound of 'mochimochi' piques consumers' desire to buy.

Conditional context 'ni oite' (in/regarding).

5

職人は、その日の湿度に合わせて水分を調整し、完璧なもちもちした食感を生み出す。

The craftsman adjusts the moisture according to the day's humidity to create the perfect springy texture.

Grammar 'ni awasete' (according to/in line with).

6

もちもちした質感の陶器は、手に馴染む温かみがある。

Pottery with a springy texture (visual/tactile) has a warmth that fits the hand.

Metaphorical use for ceramics.

7

科学的に見れば、もちもちした状態はデンプンの糊化と密接に関係している。

Scientifically speaking, the 'mochimochi' state is closely related to the gelatinization of starch.

Adverbial 'kagaku-teki ni mireba'.

8

その美辞麗句よりも、彼女のもちもちした笑顔のほうが印象的だった。

Her bouncy, full-of-life smile was more impressive than those flowery words.

Metaphorical use for a smile.

1

日本語のオノマトペにおける「もちもちした」という表現の変遷を辿ると、食文化の高度化が見て取れる。

Tracing the transition of the expression 'mochimochi-shita' in Japanese onomatopoeia reveals the sophistication of food culture.

Complex nominalization and formal 'mite-toreru'.

2

触覚の記号論において、「もちもちした」という感覚は、母性的な包容力と結び付けられることがある。

In the semiotics of touch, the 'mochimochi' sensation is sometimes linked to maternal inclusiveness.

Academic terminology 'kigō-ron' (semiotics).

3

この建築素材の、もちもちした粘弾性は、地震の衝撃を吸収する画期的な機能を持っている。

The visco-elasticity of this building material, described as 'mochimochi,' has a revolutionary function in absorbing earthquake shocks.

Technical term 'nen-dansei' (visco-elasticity).

4

「もちもちした」という主観的な感覚を数値化する試みが、食品工学の分野で進められている。

Attempts to quantify the subjective sensation of 'mochimochi' are underway in the field of food engineering.

Progressive passive 'susumerarete iru'.

5

高度な修辞法として、詩人は静寂を「もちもちした重み」と形容した。

As a sophisticated rhetorical device, the poet described the silence as a 'springy weight'.

Rhetorical 'shūji-hō'.

6

グローバル化の中で、この日本独特の「もちもちした」という美意識が、世界のパティシエに影響を与えている。

Amid globalization, this uniquely Japanese aesthetic of 'mochimochi' is influencing pastry chefs around the world.

Contextual 'naka de' (amid/during).

7

もちもちした食感の追求は、単なる嗜好を超え、生存のためのエネルギー効率とも関連しているという説がある。

There is a theory that the pursuit of springy textures goes beyond mere preference and is related to energy efficiency for survival.

Complex sentence structure with 'to iu setsu ga aru'.

8

その政治家の演説は、内容が空疎であるにもかかわらず、もちもちした響きだけが耳に残った。

Despite the politician's speech being empty of content, only the 'springy' (supple/vague) resonance remained in the ear.

Metaphorical use for speech style.

Häufige Kollokationen

もちもちした食感
もちもちした肌
もちもちした生地
もちもちした麺
もちもちした感触
もちもちした弾力
もちもちしたパン
もちもちした触り心地
もちもちしたベーグル
もちもちしたお肌

Häufige Phrasen

もちもちになる

— To become springy or chewy. Often used for skin results or cooked rice.

このパックで肌がもちもちになる。

もちもち感

— The 'feeling' of being mochimochi. Used as a noun.

もちもち感がすごい。

もちもち肌

— Mochi-skin. A very common beauty term.

もちもち肌を手に入れる。

もちもち食感

— Chewy texture. A standard food descriptor.

もちもち食感の生パスタ。

もちもちして気持ちいい

— It feels springy and good. Used for cushions or skin.

この枕、もちもちして気持ちいい。

もちもち太麺

— Chewy thick noodles. Often seen in ramen shops.

もちもち太麺が売りの店。

もちもちパン

— Chewy bread. A popular category in bakeries.

もちもちパンの専門店。

もちもち仕上げ

— A chewy finish. Used in recipes.

もちもち仕上げのコツ。

もちもち体験

— A mochimochi experience. Used in marketing for tactile products.

驚きのもちもち体験。

もちもち素材

— Springy material. Used for apparel or bedding.

もちもち素材のパジャマ。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

もちもちした vs べたべた (Betabeta)

Betabeta means 'sticky' like glue. Mochimochi is 'bouncy' like mochi. Mochi is sticky, but mochimochi focuses on the bounce.

もちもちした vs ふわふわ (Fuwafuwa)

Fuwafuwa is 'fluffy' like air. Mochimochi has density and resistance. A cloud is fuwafuwa; a bagel is mochimochi.

もちもちした vs ねばねば (Nebaneba)

Nebaneba is 'slimy/stringy' like natto. Mochimochi is elastic but doesn't necessarily pull apart in strings.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"餅は餅屋 (Mochi wa mochiya)"

— Every man to his trade; leave it to the experts. While not using 'mochimochi', it shares the 'mochi' root.

修理はプロに任せよう。餅は餅屋だ。

Proverb
"もちもちした人生"

— Metaphorical: A 'resilient' or 'flexible' life. (Rare/Poetic)

もちもちした人生を歩みたい。

Literary
"肌が吸い付く (Hada ga suitsuku)"

— Skin that 'sticks' to the hand. Often used alongside mochimochi to describe perfect hydration.

肌が吸い付くようにもちもちしている。

Beauty
"顎が疲れる (Ago ga tsukareru)"

— To have one's jaw get tired. Used when something is *too* mochimochi.

このうどんはもちもちすぎて、顎が疲れる。

Casual
"弾むような (Hazumu yō na)"

— Bouncy; like a ball. A common synonym for the mochimochi feeling.

弾むようなもちもち肌。

Marketing
"吸い付くようなもちもち感"

— A springiness that feels like it's sticking to you. High praise for skincare.

吸い付くようなもちもち感が持続する。

Skincare
"噛み応え十分 (Kamigotae jūbun)"

— Sufficiently chewy/firm. Pairs well with mochimochi food.

もちもちして噛み応え十分だ。

Food Review
"瑞々しい (Mizumizushii)"

— Fresh and juicy. Often the precursor to a mochimochi texture.

瑞々しく、もちもちした桃。

General
"ふっくらもちもち"

— Plump and springy. The ultimate description for rice or bread.

ふっくらもちもちに炊けたご飯。

Culinary
"もちもちの極み"

— The pinnacle of chewiness.

このベーグルはもちもちの極みだ。

Exclamatory

Leicht verwechselbar

もちもちした vs むちむち (Muchimuchi)

Sounds very similar to mochimochi.

Mochimochi is for food/skin texture. Muchimuchi is for plumpness, often of a person's body or a very tightly packed object.

赤ちゃんのむちむちした腕 (A baby's plump arms).

もちもちした vs ぷにぷに (Punipuni)

Both describe soft, squishy things.

Punipuni is more about the 'squish' (cute factor). Mochimochi is more about the 'bounce' (quality factor).

ぷにぷにした猫の肉球 (Squishy cat paw pads).

もちもちした vs ぐみぐみ (Gumigumi)

Both describe elasticity.

Gumigumi is much tougher and more rubbery, like a gummy candy. Mochimochi is softer and easier to bite.

ぐみぐみしたハードグミ (Tough hard gummies).

もちもちした vs しっとり (Shittori)

Both are compliments for skin.

Shittori means 'moist/damp'. Mochimochi means 'springy'. Skin can be both, but they describe different physical properties.

しっとりした保湿クリーム (Moisturizing cream).

もちもちした vs しゃっきり (Shakkiri)

Both describe food texture.

Shakkiri is 'crisp' like a fresh apple or lettuce. It is the opposite of the soft mochimochi texture.

しゃっきりしたレタス (Crisp lettuce).

Satzmuster

A1

これは[Noun]です。もちもちしています。

これはパンです。もちもちしています。

A2

もちもちした[Noun]が好きです。

もちもちしたドーナツが好きです。

B1

[Noun]は、もちもちした食感が特徴です。

このうどんは、もちもちした食感が特徴です。

B1

[Product]を使うと、肌がもちもちします。

この化粧水を使うと、肌がもちもちします。

B2

[Noun]を[Verb]ことで、もちもちした仕上がりになります。

米粉を混ぜることで、もちもちした仕上がりになります。

C1

もちもちした食感の根底には、[Abstract Noun]がある。

もちもちした食感の根底には、日本人の米文化がある。

C1

[Noun]は、もちもちした弾力と[Noun]を兼ね備えている。

この素材は、もちもちした弾力と強さを兼ね備えている。

C2

「もちもちした」という表現の変遷は、[Topic]を物語っている。

「もちもちした」という表現の変遷は、食の多様化を物語っている。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

餅 (Mochi) - Rice cake
もちもち感 (Mochimochikan) - The feeling of being springy

Verben

もちもちする (Mochimochi-suru) - To be springy/chewy

Adjektive

もちもちの (Mochimochi-no) - Springy (attributive)
もちっとした (Mochitto-shita) - Quick springy feel

Verwandt

むちむち (Muchimuchi) - Plump
ぷにぷに (Punipuni) - Squishy
ねばねば (Nebaneba) - Sticky/Slimy
ふわふわ (Fuwafuwa) - Fluffy
べたべた (Betabeta) - Sticky/Tacky

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, advertising, and culinary reviews.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'mochimochi' for crispy food. Use 'sakusaku' or 'karikari'.

    Mochimochi implies softness and bounce. Crispy things have no bounce; they break.

  • Using 'mochimochi' for slimy food like natto. Use 'nebaneba'.

    Mochimochi is elastic, not slimy or stringy.

  • Saying 'Hada ga mochimochi-shita' to mean 'My skin is springy'. Hada ga mochimochi-shite iru.

    'Shita' is for modifying nouns or describing a past change. For a current state at the end of a sentence, use 'shite iru'.

  • Using 'mochimochi' for tough steak. Use 'kamigotae ga aru'.

    Meat doesn't have the starch-based bounce of mochi. It sounds very strange to describe meat this way.

  • Confusing 'mochimochi' with 'muchimuchi' when talking about a person. Be very specific. Say 'Hada ga mochimochi' (Skin is springy).

    'Muchimuchi' can refer to body fat/plumpness, which might be offensive.

Tipps

Pair with 'Shokkan'

Whenever you talk about food, use 'mochimochi-shita shokkan' (chewy texture). It makes you sound like a native food critic and is the most natural way to use the word.

'Shita' vs 'Shite iru'

Use 'mochimochi-shita' before a noun (e.g., mochimochi-shita pan). Use 'mochimochi-shite iru' at the end of a sentence (e.g., Kono pan wa mochimochi-shite iru).

The 'Mochi' Connection

Always visualize a rice cake when using this word. If the object doesn't have that specific 'mochi-like' bounce, 'mochimochi' might not be the right word.

Don't confuse with 'Muchimuchi'

Remember: 'Mochi' is for food/skin, 'Muchi' is for plump bodies. Mixing them up can lead to awkward social situations!

Keep it Flat

Avoid putting a heavy accent on any one syllable. Japanese onomatopoeia sounds best when pronounced with a steady, rhythmic flow.

Look for the Hiragana

When shopping in Japan, if you see 'もちもち' on a package, it's a sign that the manufacturer is proud of the item's fresh and springy texture.

Rice Flour is Key

If you want to make 'mochimochi' bread at home, try replacing some of the wheat flour with rice flour (koméko). This is the secret to that Japanese-style chew.

Hydration is Mochimochi

In skincare, 'mochimochi' is synonymous with deep hydration. If your skin feels bouncy, it means your moisture barrier is healthy.

TV Food Shows

Watch 'shokurepo' (food reports) on Japanese TV. You will hear 'mochimochi' almost every time they eat noodles or dumplings. It's great listening practice.

A Great Compliment

Telling a Japanese friend that the bread they baked or the skin they have is 'mochimochi' is a high-tier compliment that they will truly appreciate.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Mochi'. Mochi is chewy. So 'Mochi-Mochi' is 'Very Mochi-like' or 'Super Chewy'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a finger pressing into a soft, white marshmallow that bounces back perfectly.

Word Web

Mochi (Rice cake) Chewy Springy Elastic Skin Bread Noodles Bouncy

Herausforderung

Try to find three items in your house that are 'mochimochi' and describe them to a friend using the word.

Wortherkunft

The word is a reduplicated form of 'mochi' (餅), the traditional Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice. Mochi has been a staple of Japanese culture for over a millennium, symbolizing strength and luck.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To have the qualities of a rice cake.

Japanese (Onomatopoeia/Gitaigo).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'muchimuchi' (a similar sounding word) for people, as it can be taken as a comment on their weight, even if intended as a compliment.

English speakers often lack a single word for this. 'Chewy' can be bad, 'springy' sounds mechanical, and 'rubbery' is usually an insult. 'Mochimochi' bridges these gaps.

Pon-de-Ring donuts from Mister Donut (famous for mochimochi texture). Hada Labo Gokujyun lotion (famous for creating mochimochi skin). Sanuki Udon (the gold standard for mochimochi noodles).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a Bakery

  • もちもちしたパンはどれですか?
  • このベーグル、もちもちですね。
  • もちもち食感の食パンをください。
  • 中がもちもちしています。

Skincare Shopping

  • 肌がもちもちになるクリームを探しています。
  • これを使うと、もちもちしたお肌になりますか?
  • もちもち感が持続します。
  • べたつかずに、もちもちします。

Eating Udon/Pasta

  • 麺がもちもちして美味しいです。
  • このパスタ、もちもちしたコシがあるね。
  • もちもちの太麺が最高です。
  • 噛むともちもちします。

Buying a Pillow/Plushie

  • もちもちした触り心地ですね。
  • このぬいぐるみ、もちもちしてて癒やされる。
  • もちもちした素材の枕がいいです。
  • ずっと触っていたいもちもち感。

Cooking at Home

  • 米粉を入れてもちもちに仕上げました。
  • どうすればもちもちした食感になりますか?
  • しっかり捏ねるともちもちします。
  • もちもちした生地ができました。

Gesprächseinstiege

"「もちもちした」食べ物の中で、何が一番好きですか? (Of all 'mochimochi' foods, what do you like best?)"

"このパン、すごくもちもちしていて美味しいと思いませんか? (Don't you think this bread is really chewy and delicious?)"

"肌をもちもちにするために、どんなスキンケアをしていますか? (What kind of skincare do you do to make your skin springy?)"

"日本のうどんの「もちもちした」コシって、独特ですよね。 (The 'mochimochi' elasticity of Japanese udon is unique, isn't it?)"

"最近、もちもちした食感のスイーツが流行っていますが、食べましたか? (Lately, springy-textured sweets are popular; have you tried any?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日食べた「もちもちした」食べ物について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about a 'mochimochi' food you ate today.)

あなたが理想とする「もちもちした肌」とは、どのような状態ですか? (What kind of state is your ideal 'mochimochi skin'?)

「もちもち」と「ふわふわ」、どちらの食感のほうが好きですか?その理由は? (Which texture do you like better, 'mochimochi' or 'fuwafuwa'? Why?)

「もちもちした」感触のぬいぐるみやクッションを持っていますか? (Do you have any 'mochimochi' plushies or cushions?)

自分の国には「もちもちした」という言葉にぴったりの食べ物がありますか? (Is there a food in your country that perfectly fits the word 'mochimochi'?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

You can use it for their *skin* (e.g., 'mochimochi-shita hada'), but if you use it for their *body*, it sounds a bit strange or childish. 'Muchimuchi' is the standard word for a plump or curvy body, though use it with caution as it can be sensitive.

They are very similar. 'Mochimochi-shita' is more descriptive and emphasizes the state or quality of the object. 'Mochimochi-no' is slightly more casual and often used on product packaging as a simple label. In most cases, they are interchangeable.

Rarely. It is almost always a positive descriptor for freshness and high quality. However, if a food that should be 'sakusaku' (crispy) like a cracker becomes 'mochimochi' due to humidity, that would be bad. In that case, though, you'd more likely use 'shikete-iru' (damp/soggy).

'Mochimochi' is a general sensory word for springiness. 'Koshi' is a specific culinary term used for the 'backbone' or 'resistance' of noodles. Good udon has both 'koshi' (firmness) and 'mochimochi' (springiness).

No, it is not used for meat. For meat that has a good chew, use 'kamigotae ga aru' or 'danjoku ga aru'. Using 'mochimochi' for meat would make it sound like the meat has the texture of a rice cake, which is unappetizing.

It is most commonly written in Hiragana (もちもち) to emphasize its soft and friendly nature. In some modern advertisements, you might see it in Katakana (モチモチ) to make it stand out.

It traces back to the cultural importance of rice. The texture of freshly pounded mochi is associated with celebration, health, and satisfying food. This preference has carried over into modern preferences for bread, noodles, and even skincare.

Not exactly. While mochi is sticky, the word 'mochimochi' specifically describes the *elasticity*. If you want to say something is sticky like glue, use 'betabeta'. If it's slimy/stringy, use 'nebaneba'.

Yes! It is a very common word for high-quality, squishy pillows or plush toys that have a satisfying 'rebound' when you squeeze them.

'Mochi-hada' (mochi skin) is a common beauty term for skin that is soft, white, and springy, just like a fresh rice cake. It is considered an ideal complexion in Japan.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write 'chewy bread' in Japanese using Hiragana.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'The udon is chewy' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'I want to have springy skin' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'This bagel has a springy texture' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain why rice flour makes bread 'mochimochi' (in Japanese).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'chewy mochi' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'I like chewy donuts' in Japanese.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'This cushion feels springy' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write 'The noodles have a springy elasticity' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the texture of a baby's cheek using 'mochimochi'.

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writing

Write 'chewy and delicious' in Japanese.

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writing

Write 'Let's eat chewy boba' in Japanese.

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writing

Write 'My skin became springy after using this lotion' in Japanese.

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writing

Write 'Springy texture is popular lately' in Japanese.

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writing

Write a short sentence about the cultural value of 'mochimochi' in Japan.

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writing

Write 'chewy thick noodles' in Japanese.

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writing

Write 'This rice is chewy' in Japanese.

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writing

Write 'I made chewy pasta' in Japanese.

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writing

Write 'The result was a springy finish' in Japanese.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'mochimochi' metaphorically.

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speaking

Say 'It is chewy' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Chewy and delicious' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I like chewy bread' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'This udon is chewy' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a baby's skin using 'mochimochi'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The boba is chewy' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain that this bagel is chewy.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I want to make the skin springy' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe the texture of high-quality noodles.

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speaking

Talk about the 'mochimochi' trend in desserts.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Mochi is chewy'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Is this bread chewy?'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'It feels springy and good'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Kneading well makes it chewy'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a springy material for a pillow.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Exclaim 'Wow, chewy!'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I bought chewy donuts'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Chewy texture is the best'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The dough became springy'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Compare 'mochimochi' and 'fuwafuwa'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the word: 'もちもち'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen: 'もちもちしたパン'. What is described?

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listening

Listen: '肌がもちもちになりました'. What happened to the skin?

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listening

Listen: 'もちもちした食感が特徴です'. What is the characteristic?

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listening

Listen: 'もちもちした弾力が楽しめます'. What can you enjoy?

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listening

Listen: 'これ、もちもちだね'. Is it a question or a statement?

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listening

Listen: 'もちもちのうどんをください'. What did the person order?

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listening

Listen: 'もちもちして美味しい'. Is the person enjoying the food?

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listening

Listen: '中がもちもちしたベーグル'. Which part is chewy?

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listening

Listen: 'もちもち肌を目指しましょう'. What is the goal?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'もち、もちもち'. Are they the same word?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'もちもちしたドーナツが好き'. Does the person like boba?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'この枕、もちもち!'. What is the object?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'もちもちした仕上がり'. What is 'shiagari'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'もちもちした質感の陶器'. What kind of pottery is it?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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