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B1 adverb 9 min de lecture

めそめそ

meso meso

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces めそめそ en 30 secondes

Explication めそめそ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of めそめそ (mesomeso): it is a word for 'crying.' Specifically, it's the kind of crying where you make small sounds and sniffle, like a child. You will mostly hear this in simple commands like 'めそめそしないで！' (Don't cry! / Don't whimper!). Think of it as a 'character' word. Just like English has 'boo-hoo,' Japanese has めそめそ. At this stage, don't worry too much about the deep nuances. Just remember that it's a casual word used with children or close friends. If you see a child in a manga with tears in their eyes and a runny nose, they are probably めそめそ-ing. It's an easy word to remember because of its repetitive 'me-so-me-so' sound. Try practicing it by saying it out loud when you see someone acting a bit like a crybaby in a cartoon!

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For A2 learners, you can start using めそめそ (mesomeso) in simple sentences with the verb 'suru' (to do). You should understand that it's different from just 'naku' (to cry). While 'naku' is the general verb, めそめそ describes the *way* someone is crying—quietly, persistently, and perhaps a bit weakly. You might use it to describe a friend who is sad about a small thing: '彼女はテストの結果が悪くて、めそめそしている' (She is whimpering because her test results were bad). Also, notice that it often appears in the form 'めそめそしないで' (Please don't whimper). At this level, you should be able to recognize it in listening exercises when a character is being a bit of a 'softie.' It's a very common 'adverb + suru' construction, which is a key grammar pattern at the A2 level.

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At the B1 level, you should master the nuance of めそめそ (mesomeso). It's not just crying; it's crying in a way that suggests a lack of resolve or emotional strength. This is where you distinguish it from 'しくしく' (shikushiku - quiet sobbing). If you use めそめそ, you are adding a slightly critical or 'tough love' tone to your description. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, such as 'いつまでもめそめそしていないで、次のチャンスを狙おう' (Stop whimpering and aim for the next chance). You should also recognize it when it's used to describe someone's personality (めそめそした性格). At this level, you are expected to understand that this word is informal and should generally be avoided when talking to superiors or in formal writing. It's a perfect word for describing character reactions in stories or discussing social dynamics with friends.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the cultural implications of めそめそ (mesomeso). In Japan, the concept of 'gaman' (endurance) is highly valued, and めそめそ is often the opposite of that ideal. You might encounter it in literature or more advanced media where it's used to contrast a character's weakness with their eventual growth. You should also be able to explain the difference between めそめそ and other mimetic crying words like 'はらはら' (tears falling in drops) or 'おいおい' (wailing). You can use it metaphorically to describe a 'weak-willed' approach to a problem. For example, 'めそめそした外交' (whimpering/weak-willed diplomacy) might appear in a political commentary, though this is rare. Your goal at B2 is to use the word with the correct social 'weight,' knowing exactly when it sounds like encouragement and when it sounds like an insult.

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For C1 learners, めそめそ (mesomeso) becomes a tool for precise characterization and literary analysis. You should understand its phonetic roots—how the 'm' and 's' sounds contribute to its meaning of 'moist' and 'persistent' weakness. You might explore its use in 20th-century Japanese novels to depict the internal struggles of characters who fail to meet societal expectations of stoicism. You should also be aware of its potential gendered usage; historically, it was often used more frequently to describe women or children, and modern speakers might use it to subvert or reinforce those tropes. At this level, you should be able to use it in nuanced debates about emotional expression in Japanese culture. You might also encounter its usage in archaic or dialectal variations, though the standard 'mesomeso' remains the most common form.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of めそめそ (mesomeso). You can use it with perfect timing in puns, wordplay, or to create a specific atmosphere in creative writing. You understand the historical evolution of onomatopoeia in the Japanese language and can compare 'mesomeso' to its historical equivalents in the Edo period or earlier. You are also sensitive to how the word's impact changes based on the speaker's dialect or social class. For example, a rougher speaker might use 'めそめそすんじゃねぇ' (Don't whimper!) to show a specific kind of 'tough' affection. You can analyze the word's frequency in modern versus classical media and discuss how the cultural acceptability of 'mesomeso-ing' has changed in contemporary Japan. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, reflecting all the subtle social and emotional layers the word carries.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

めそめそ en 30 secondes

Mesomeso means whimpering or sniveling quietly and persistently.
It is an onomatopoeic word often used to describe children or 'weak' emotional states.
It usually carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting someone is being a crybaby.
Commonly paired with 'suru' (to do) or 'naku' (to cry) in casual conversation.

The Japanese word めそめそ (mesomeso) is a fascinating example of the Japanese language's rich tapestry of onomatopoeia, specifically categorized as gitaigo (mimetic words that describe states or conditions). While English speakers might simply say someone is 'crying,' Japanese speakers have dozens of words to describe the style and vibe of that crying. めそめそ specifically depicts a person—often a child or someone perceived as emotionally weak in a given moment—who is whimpering, sniveling, or crying in a quiet, repetitive, and somewhat persistent manner. It is not the loud, explosive wailing of a toddler who dropped their ice cream (which would be わあわあ - waawaa), nor is it the silent, dignified weeping of a tragic hero (often described with そっと涙を流す - sotto namida o nagasu). Instead, めそめそ carries a nuance of being 'unnecessarily' emotional or failing to pull oneself together.

Core Nuance: The term suggests a lack of willpower. It describes a state where someone is caught in a loop of self-pity, making small sobbing sounds, perhaps wiping their nose frequently, and unable to stop despite the situation not being a major catastrophe.
Phonetic Imagery: In Japanese sound symbolism, the 'm' sound (as in me) often relates to softness, moisture, or internal feelings. The repetition of 'meso' creates a rhythmic, lingering effect, mirroring the repetitive nature of sniveling.

いつまでもめそめそしていないで、元気を出して！
Translation: Stop whimpering and cheer up already!

Culturally, めそめそ is often used in parental or coaching contexts. In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on gaman (perseverance) and emotional resilience. Therefore, telling someone 'めそめそするな' (Don't whimper) is a common way to encourage them to be stronger. It implies that the crying is unproductive or slightly pathetic. It is very common in anime when a protagonist is feeling sorry for themselves and a mentor figure snaps them out of it. You might hear it in school settings, sports clubs, or even in romantic dramas when one partner is frustrated by the other's perceived emotional fragility.

彼は失恋して、一晩中めそめそ泣いていた。
Translation: He got his heart broken and was sniveling all night long.

Visual Association: Imagine a child whose eyes are red, shoulders are shaking slightly, and they are making a 'hiccuping' or 'sniffing' sound. That is the visual embodiment of 'mesomeso'.

Interestingly, めそめそ is almost always used with the verb suru (to do) or naku (to cry). It can also be turned into an adjective form as mesomeso-shite-iru (is whimpering). If you're studying for the JLPT, this is a classic 'B1/N3' level word because it's so common in everyday conversation, yet it has specific nuances that distinguish it from other 'crying' words like 'shikushiku' (quiet sobbing) or 'oioi' (loud, masculine wailing).

Grammatically, めそめそ (mesomeso) is an adverb. This means it's most commonly used to modify a verb like naku (to cry) or suru (to do). Let's look at the three most common ways to integrate it into your Japanese sentences.

1. めそめそする (Mesomeso suru): This is the simplest and most common form. It means 'to whimper' or 'to snivel.' It focuses on the state of the person. Example: 'めそめそしないで！' (Stop whimpering!).
2. めそめそ泣く (Mesomeso naku): This form emphasizes the act of crying. It gives a specific description of how the person is crying. Example: '彼女は部屋の隅でめそめそ泣いている。' (She is sniveling in the corner of the room.).
3. めそめそした人 (Mesomeso-shita hito): This describes a person's character as 'wimpy' or 'prone to whimpering.' Example: 'めそめそした性格は嫌いだ。' (I dislike wimpy personalities.).

いつまでもめそめそしているわけにはいかない。
Translation: I can't keep whimpering forever. (I have to move on.)

The word めそめそ is often used with the negative form of the verb to command or encourage someone to stop. For example, 'めそめそするな！' (Don't whimper!) or 'めそめそしないで！' (Please don't whimper.). These are common tropes in anime or sports dramas when a character is facing a setback. It's a way to tell someone to 'man up' or 'be strong.' While it can sound harsh, it can also be used with a degree of empathy, like a mother gently telling her child, 'もうめそめそしないでね。' (Don't whimper anymore, okay?).

そんなにめそめそしていても、何も解決しないよ。
Translation: Even if you whimper like that, it won't solve anything.

In more formal or literary contexts, めそめそ can be used to describe an atmosphere of weak-willed sadness or a lack of resolve. For example, a writer might describe a character's 'めそめそとした態度' (a whimpering/weak-willed attitude). This shows that the word is not just about the physical act of crying, but about the emotional state that leads to it. If you're writing a story in Japanese, using めそめそ is a great way to quickly establish that a character is feeling particularly vulnerable or lacks the strength to face their current problems.

You'll encounter めそめそ (mesomeso) in a wide range of everyday situations in Japan. It's a very common word in family life, entertainment, and even casual workplace conversations (though usually when talking about someone else, not to their face!).

In Anime and Manga: This is perhaps the most common place learners will hear the word. Characters who are initially weak or cowardly are often told to stop 'めそめそする.' For example, when a hero is about to give up, their rival or mentor might shout, 'いつまでめそめそしているんだ！' (How long are you going to keep whimpering!). It's a key word for character growth arcs.
In Family Life: Parents use this constantly with children. If a child is sniveling after losing a game or being scolded, a parent might say, 'めそめそしないで、ちゃんと話して。' (Stop whimpering and tell me what's wrong clearly.). It's a way to encourage more mature communication.

「もうめそめそするのはやめた！」と彼女は決心した。
Translation: "I'm done with all this whimpering!" she decided.

You might also hear it in pop songs (J-Pop), especially those about heartbreak or overcoming adversity. The lyrics might describe someone 'めそめそ泣きながら' (while whimpering/sniveling) walking home after a breakup. It adds a touch of raw, unpolished emotion to the song's narrative. In casual workplace settings, colleagues might use it behind someone's back: 'あいつ、部長に怒られてまためそめそしているよ。' (That guy is whimpering again after getting scolded by the manager.). This usage is definitely more critical and highlights the negative connotation of being perceived as weak.

試合に負けた後、彼はロッカールームでめそめそしていた。
Translation: After losing the match, he was sniveling in the locker room.

In summary, めそめそ is ubiquitous in Japanese media and daily life. It serves as a vivid descriptor for a specific type of emotional display that is seen as somewhat weak or immature. Whether it's a coach pushing an athlete, a parent teaching a child, or a friend offering tough love, めそめそ is the go-to word for that persistent, quiet whimpering that Japanese society often encourages people to overcome.

While めそめそ (mesomeso) seems straightforward, learners often trip up on its nuance and social context. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing it with other 'crying' words: The most common mistake is using めそめそ when you should use しくしく (shikushiku) or おいおい (oioi). Remember: めそめそ implies a bit of 'weakness' or 'immaturity.' If someone is crying out of deep, genuine grief, calling it めそめそ can be extremely offensive because it trivializes their pain.
2. Overusing it in formal situations: As an onomatopoeic word, めそめそ is inherently casual. You wouldn't use it in a formal business report or a polite speech. In those cases, you'd use more formal verbs like naku (to cry) or namida o nagasu (to shed tears).

❌ お葬式で彼はめそめそ泣いていた。
Note: This sounds disrespectful. It's better to use '悲しみに暮れていた' (was overcome with grief).

Another common mistake is forgetting the particle to or the verb suru. While you can say 'めそめそ泣く,' you can't just use mesomeso as a standalone verb without 'suru.' Also, be careful with the target of your words. Telling a superior 'めそめそしないでください' (Please don't whimper) would be incredibly rude and probably career-ending! It's a word that flows 'downwards' from someone in a stronger position to someone in a weaker position.

✅ 子供が転んでめそめそしている。
Translation: The child fell down and is whimpering. (This is a perfect use case.)

Finally, don't confuse めそめそ with うとうと (utouto - dozing off) or にこにこ (nikoniko - smiling). While they all follow the same AABB pattern, their meanings are worlds apart. Keeping a small chart of these common AABB onomatopoeia can help you avoid these 'tongue-twister' errors. In summary: use めそめそ for 'weak' crying, keep it casual, and never use it towards someone of higher status unless you're looking for a fight!

Japanese has an incredible variety of words for crying. Understanding the subtle differences between めそめそ (mesomeso) and its 'cousins' will elevate your Japanese from basic to nuanced.

しくしく (Shikushiku): This is quiet, continuous sobbing. Unlike めそめそ, it doesn't necessarily imply weakness. It's often used to describe a woman or child crying softly out of genuine sadness. It's more sympathetic than めそめそ.
おいおい (Oioi): This is loud, unrestrained wailing, often associated with men or older people crying uncontrollably. It's the opposite of the quiet sniveling of めそめそ.
わあわあ (Waawaa): The sound of a baby or small child crying loudly and energetically. It's purely auditory and lacks the 'weak-willed' nuance of めそめそ.
べそをかく (Beso o kaku): This means to be 'on the verge of tears' or to 'make a face like you're about to cry.' It often leads to めそめそ.

比較：
1. 彼女はしくしく泣いた。(She sobbed quietly - sympathetic)
2. 彼女はめそめそ泣いた。(She whimpered/sniveled - slightly critical)

If you want to avoid the judgmental tone of めそめそ, you can use more neutral terms like namida-gumu (to have tears in one's eyes) or nakijakuru (to sob convulsively). Nakijakuru is particularly useful because it describes a physical state (choking on tears) without necessarily judging the person's character. In literature, you might also find susuri-naku (to sob/sniffle), which is a more formal and descriptive way to say someone is sniffling.

いつまでも悲しみに暮れているのは、めそめそするのとは違う。
Translation: Being lost in grief is different from just whimpering.

In professional environments, if you must describe someone being emotional, it's safer to use kanjou-teki ni naru (to become emotional). This is a objective, non-judgmental way to describe the situation. By mastering these alternatives, you'll be able to navigate the complex social waters of Japan where how you describe someone's feelings is just as important as what you're actually saying!

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'me' sound in Japanese often appears in words related to eyes (me) or moisture. The repetition (AABB pattern) is common in Japanese to show a continuous or repetitive action.

Guide de prononciation

UK mɛsəʊ mɛsəʊ

US mɛsoʊ mɛsoʊ

Even stress on all syllables. Japanese is a pitch-accent language, but onomatopoeia often has a flat or slightly rising tone.

Rime avec

べそべそ (besobeso) うとうと (utouto) にこにこ (nikoniko) よそよそ (yosoyoso) そこそこ (sokosoko) ぼそぼそ (bosoboso) もぞもぞ (mozomozo) そろそろ (sorosoro)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'u' in 'bus'.
Dragging out the final 'o' sound.
Adding a heavy English stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'me' like the English word 'me' (it should be like 'met').
Separating the two 'meso' parts with a long pause.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read as it is usually in Hiragana.

Écriture 2/5

Simple repetition of 'me' and 'so'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct pitch and understanding of nuance.

Écoute 3/5

Common in anime, but can be confused with other AABB words.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

泣く (naku) 涙 (namida) する (suru) 子供 (kodomo) 弱い (yowai)

Apprends ensuite

しくしく (shikushiku) おいおい (oioi) わあわあ (waawaa) にこにこ (nikoniko) はらはら (harahara)

Avancé

不甲斐ない (fugainai) 自己憐憫 (jiko-renbin) 咽び泣く (musebi-naku) 嗚咽 (oetsu)

Grammaire à connaître

Onomatopoeia + する

にこにこする、うとうとする、めそめそする。

Onomatopoeia + と + Verb

めそめそと泣く、しくしくと泣く。

Onomatopoeia + した + Noun

めそめそした顔、きらきらした目。

Negative Imperative (suru na)

めそめそするな！ (Don't whimper!)

Te-form for Reason

叱られてめそめそする。 (Whimper because of being scolded.)

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Exemples par niveau

めそめそしないで。

Don't whimper/cry.

Negative command form of 'suru'.

あの子はめそめそ泣いています。

That child is whimpering.

Adverb modifying the verb 'naku' (to cry).

どうしてめそめそしているの？

Why are you whimpering?

Present continuous form 'shite-iru'.

めそめそするのはやめて。

Stop whimpering.

Using 'no wa yamete' to stop an action.

彼はいつもめそめそする。

He always whimpers.

Simple present tense for habits.

めそめそ、めそめそ。

Whimper, whimper.

Standalone onomatopoeia.

お母さんに怒られて、めそめそした。

I got scolded by my mom and whimpered.

Past tense 'shita'.

もうめそめそしないよ。

I won't whimper anymore.

Future/Intentional negative form.

テストで悪い点を取って、めそめそしている。

I got a bad grade on the test and I'm sniveling.

Te-form to show reason/cause.

めそめそした顔を見せないで。

Don't show me that whimpering face.

Adjectival use describing a noun (kao).

弟は転ぶとすぐにめそめそ泣き出す。

My little brother starts whimpering as soon as he falls.

V-stem + dasu (to start doing).

そんなにめそめそしないで、話を聞いて。

Don't whimper so much, listen to me.

Request for attention after a negative command.

彼は映画を見てめそめそしていた。

He was sniveling while watching a movie.

Past continuous.

昨日からずっとめそめそしているね。

You've been whimpering since yesterday, haven't you?

Continuous state with 'zutto'.

めそめそする時間はもう終わりだ。

The time for whimpering is over.

Noun modification 'mesomeso suru jikan'.

彼女はめそめそと言い訳をした。

She made excuses while whimpering.

Adverbial use with 'to'.

いつまでもめそめそしていないで、前を向きなさい。

Stop whimpering and look forward.

Imperative 'nasai' for strong encouragement.

彼は振られたショックで、三日間めそめそ泣き続けた。

He kept sniveling for three days due to the shock of being dumped.

V-stem + tsuzukeru (to continue doing).

めそめそした態度では、誰も助けてくれないよ。

No one will help you with that whimpering attitude.

Conditional 'de wa'.

彼女は自分の不甲斐なさにめそめそした。

She whimpered at her own helplessness.

Cause indicated by 'ni'.

試合に負けてめそめそするのは恥ずかしいことじゃない。

It's not shameful to whimper after losing a game.

Nominalized phrase as a subject.

彼はめそめそしながら、謝ってきた。

He apologized while whimpering.

Simultaneous actions with 'nagara'.

そんなことでめそめそするなんて、君らしくない。

Whimpering over such a thing is not like you.

Using 'nante' to show surprise/disdain.

めそめそ泣くのはもう飽きた。

I'm tired of whimpering/sniveling.

Using 'akita' (to be tired of).

彼はめそめそと泣き言を並べるばかりで、行動しようとしない。

He does nothing but whimper and list complaints, without trying to take action.

Particle 'bakari' for 'nothing but'.

めそめそした声で電話してきたので、何かあったのかと心配した。

He called with a whimpering voice, so I worried if something had happened.

Reason 'node' with adjectival description.

過去の失敗を悔やんでめそめそするのは時間の無駄だ。

It's a waste of time to whimper and regret past failures.

Gerund-like use 'kuyande' (regretting).

彼は人前では強がっているが、家ではめそめそしているらしい。

He acts tough in public, but apparently he whimpers at home.

Hearsay 'rashii'.

そんなにめそめそされると、こっちまで悲しくなってくる。

When you whimper like that, even I start to feel sad.

Passive form 'sareru' to show being affected.

めそめそした気持ちを振り切って、彼は立ち上がった。

Shaking off his whimpering feelings, he stood up.

V-te form to show sequence of actions.

彼女のめそめそした話し方に、彼はイライラを隠せなかった。

He couldn't hide his irritation at her whimpering way of speaking.

Potential negative 'kakusenakatta'.

めそめそ泣く子供をなだめるのは一苦労だ。

It's quite a task to soothe a whimpering child.

Noun phrase 'nadameru no wa'.

彼は自尊心を傷つけられ、独りめそめそと咽び泣いた。

His pride wounded, he whimpered and sobbed convulsively alone.

Passive 'kizutsukerare' (being wounded).

いつまでも不遇を嘆いてめそめそしている暇はない。

There is no time to whimper and lament one's misfortunes forever.

Noun 'hima' (time/leisure).

めそめそとした感傷に浸るのを彼は潔しとしなかった。

He did not consider it honorable to indulge in whimpering sentimentality.

Phrase 'isagiyoshi to shinai' (to consider dishonorable).

その小説の主人公は、めそめそした弱虫から英雄へと成長していく。

The protagonist of that novel grows from a whimpering coward into a hero.

A kara B e to (From A to B).

彼のめそめそした態度は、周囲の同情を買うどころか反感を買った。

His whimpering attitude, far from gaining sympathy, provoked antipathy in those around him.

Dokoro ka (Far from...).

めそめそと鼻をすする音が、静かな教室に響いた。

The sound of whimpering and sniffling echoed through the quiet classroom.

Onomatopoeia modifying a complex noun phrase.

彼女の強さの裏には、かつてのめそめそしていた自分への決別があった。

Behind her strength was a farewell to the whimpering self she once was.

Noun 'ketsubetsu' (parting/farewell).

運命に翻弄され、めそめそと泣き崩れるしかなかった。

Tossed about by fate, there was nothing to do but break down in whimpering tears.

Shika nakatta (Nothing but...).

彼は己の未熟さを痛感し、深夜の書斎でめそめそと独白を漏らした。

Deeply feeling his own immaturity, he leaked whimpering monologues in his study late at night.

Literary style with 'tsukan shi' and 'morashita'.

めそめそとした未練がましさが、彼の決断を鈍らせていた。

A whimpering lingering affection was dulling his decision-making.

Abstract noun modification 'miren-gamashisa'.

近代文学における「めそめそ」とした男性像の変遷を考察する。

We will examine the transition of 'whimpering' male figures in modern literature.

Academic 'kousatsu suru'.

彼女のめそめそした泣き方は、どこか計算高いようにも見えた。

Her whimpering way of crying seemed somewhat calculating as well.

Keisan-dakai (calculating/shrewd).

めそめそと続く秋雨が、彼の憂鬱をさらに深めていった。

The whimpering, persistent autumn rain deepened his melancholy further.

Metaphorical use describing rain.

かつての武士道において、めそめそと涙を見せることは最大の恥辱であった。

In former Bushido, showing whimpering tears was the greatest disgrace.

Historical context 'ni oite'.

彼はめそめそとした自己憐憫の沼から、自力で這い上がらねばならなかった。

He had to crawl out of the swamp of whimpering self-pity by his own strength.

Metaphor 'jiko-renbin no numa'.

めそめそと鼻を鳴らす彼女の傍らで、彼はただ沈黙を守った。

Beside her as she made whimpering sounds with her nose, he simply maintained silence.

Katawara (beside/while).

Collocations courantes

めそめそする

めそめそ泣く

めそめそした顔

めそめそした性格

めそめそと鼻をすする

めそめそと言い訳する

一日中めそめそする

独りでめそめそする

めそめそしがち

めそめそとした態度

Phrases Courantes

めそめそしないで

— Please don't whimper. Common way to encourage someone to stop crying.

もうめそめそしないで、元気を出して。

いつまでめそめそしてるんだ

— How long are you going to keep whimpering? Used to show frustration.

いつまでめそめそしてるんだ！早く行こう。

めそめそするな

— Don't whimper! A strong, masculine command.

男ならめそめそするな！

めそめそしたって始まらない

— Whimpering won't change anything / won't get you anywhere.

めそめそしたって始まらないよ。行動しよう。

めそめそ泣き出す

— To burst into a whimper/sniveling.

彼は急にめそめそ泣き出した。

めそめそ虫

— Crybaby (literally 'whimpering bug'). Used with children.

めそめそ虫はどこかな？

めそめそしながら話す

— To talk while whimpering.

彼女はめそめそしながら事情を説明した。

めそめそした声

— A whimpering/sniveling voice.

めそめそした声で助けを求めた。

めそめそと悔しがる

— To feel regret/frustration while whimpering.

彼は負けたことをめそめそと悔しがった。

めそめそする余裕はない

— There's no time/room to be whimpering.

今はめそめそする余裕はない。戦うんだ。

Souvent confondu avec

めそめそ vs しくしく

Shikushiku is quiet, more sympathetic sobbing. Mesomeso is whimpering and sounds more 'weak' or 'childish'.

めそめそ vs うとうと

Utouto means dozing off. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.

めそめそ vs べそべそ

Besobeso is very similar to mesomeso but emphasizes the 'crying face' (beso) even more. Mesomeso is more common.

Expressions idiomatiques

"めそめそするな、男だろ"

— Don't whimper, you're a man! A classic (though slightly dated/gendered) phrase for encouragement.

ほら、めそめそするな、男だろ！

Casual/Traditional

"めそめそしたって腹は膨れない"

— Whimpering won't fill your stomach (won't solve practical problems).

めそめそしたって腹は膨れないぞ。飯を食え。

Informal/Rough

"めそめそ笑い"

— A weak, tearful laugh (rare).

彼女はめそめそ笑いを浮かべた。

Literary

"めそめそと夜を明かす"

— To spend the whole night whimpering.

彼はめそめそと夜を明かした。

Literary

"めそめそした根性"

— A weak-willed spirit/guts.

そんなめそめそした根性でどうする！

Informal/Critical

"めそめそと後を追う"

— To follow someone while whimpering.

子供がめそめそと母の後を追う。

Neutral

"めそめそと鼻を鳴らす"

— To make snorting/sniffling sounds while whimpering.

犬がめそめそと鼻を鳴らしている。

Neutral

"めそめそした未練"

— Weak-willed lingering regret/attachment.

めそめそした未練は断ち切れ。

Neutral

"めそめそと恩を売る"

— To act pitiful to make someone feel indebted (rare).

彼はめそめそと恩を売るような男だ。

Critical

"めそめそした顔に泥を塗る"

— To humiliate someone who is already weak (metaphorical).

彼のめそめそした顔にさらに泥を塗るような真似はするな。

Informal

Facile à confondre

めそめそ vs しくしく

Both describe quiet crying.

Shikushiku is purely about the sound/manner of quiet sobbing; Mesomeso adds a judgment of 'weakness' or 'immaturity'.

悲しくてしくしく泣く (Crying quietly because of sadness) vs 怒られてめそめそする (Whimpering because of being scolded).

めそめそ vs おいおい

Both are onomatopoeia for crying.

Oioi is loud and unrestrained; Mesomeso is quiet and sniveling.

声をあげておいおい泣く (Wailing out loud).

めそめそ vs わあわあ

Both are onomatopoeia for crying.

Waawaa is the loud, energetic cry of a baby; Mesomeso is the weak whimper of an older child or adult.

赤ちゃんがわあわあ泣く (Baby crying loudly).

めそめそ vs はらはら

Both involve tears.

Harahara describes tears falling in large drops; Mesomeso describes the whole act of sniveling.

涙がはらはらとこぼれる (Tears falling in drops).

めそめそ vs ぐすぐす

Both involve sniffling.

Gusugusu is specifically the sound of sniffling (runny nose); Mesomeso is the emotional act of whimpering.

鼻をぐすぐす言わせる (Making sniffling sounds).

Structures de phrases

めそめそしないで。

もうめそめそしないで。

〜て、めそめそする。

転んで、めそめそする。

いつまでもめそめそしていないで、〜。

いつまでもめそめそしていないで、勉強しなさい。

めそめそした〜 (Noun)

めそめそした態度はやめろ。

めそめそと〜 (Verb)

彼はめそめそと泣き言を並べた。

〜めそめそとした〜 (Abstract Noun)

めそめそとした自己憐憫に浸る。

めそめそしながら〜

めそめそしながら謝る。

めそめそ泣き出す

急にめそめそ泣き出した。

Famille de mots

Noms

めそめそ虫 (mesomeso-mushi - crybaby)

Verbes

めそめそする (mesomeso suru - to whimper)

Adjectifs

めそめそした (mesomeso-shita - whimpering/wimpy)

Apparenté

泣く (naku - to cry)

涙 (namida - tears)

鼻をすする (hana o susuru - to sniffle)

弱虫 (yowamushi - coward/weakling)

べそ (beso - crying face)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in daily life and media, especially regarding children or emotional setbacks.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'mesomeso' for deep, respectful grief. → Use 'kanashimi ni kureru' or 'musebi-naku'.
'Mesomeso' sounds trivializing and slightly insulting in a serious context like a funeral.
Using 'mesomeso' towards a superior. → Use 'o-naki ni naru' (honorific) or 'namida o nagasu'.
Telling a boss 'mesomeso shinaide' is like calling them a crybaby.
Confusing 'mesomeso' with 'utouto'. → Mesomeso (crying) vs Utouto (dozing).
They follow the same pattern but describe completely different states.
Pronouncing it like 'May-so-may-so'. → Meh-so-meh-so.
Japanese 'e' is like the 'e' in 'met', not 'may'.
Thinking 'mesomeso' is a noun. → It's an adverb/mimetic word, usually used with 'suru'.
You can't say 'mesomeso ga suki' (I like whimpering).

Astuces

Pair with 'Itsumademo'

It is very common to say 'Itsumademo mesomeso suru na' (Don't whimper forever). This emphasizes that the person should move on.

The 'Weak' Factor

Always remember that 'mesomeso' implies the crying is a bit pathetic. If you want to be kind, use 'shikushiku' instead.

Adjective Form

Use 'mesomeso-shita' before a noun to describe a person's character or current vibe, e.g., 'mesomeso-shita taido' (whimpering attitude).

Anime Tropes

Watch for the 'mesomeso' character in shonen anime; they usually have a big growth moment where they stop whimpering and become strong.

Short Vowels

Make sure both 'e' and 'o' sounds are short. Don't say 'may-so-may-so'.

Related Words

Learn 'yowamushi' (weakling) alongside 'mesomeso' as they are often used together.

Parental Use

If you have kids, 'mesomeso shinaide' is a great natural phrase to use when they are sniffling over something minor.

Hiragana Only

Don't look for Kanji; onomatopoeia in Hiragana looks more 'natural' and 'soft' on the page.

Identify the 'Me'

The 'me' sound is the key to identifying this word quickly in fast speech.

Tough Love

Using 'mesomeso' can be a form of 'tough love' between close friends in Japan.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of someone saying 'ME? SO sad...' twice. 'ME-SO ME-SO'. They are whimpering because they are 'so' sad.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bowl of MISO soup that is 'crying' steam. Miso -> Meso. A whimpering bowl of soup.

Word Web

Crying Sniffing Weakness Childish Anime Parenting Tears Persistence

Défi

Try to find 3 scenes in an anime where a character is told 'めそめそするな!' and write down why they were crying.

Origine du mot

The word 'mesomeso' is a native Japanese onomatopoeia. Like many 'gitaigo,' its origins are phonetic rather than derived from Chinese characters.

Sens originel : To describe the sound and appearance of quiet, weak crying.

Japonic (Onomatopoeic)

Contexte culturel

Be careful using this with adults as it implies they are being childish or weak.

In English, we might use 'whining' or 'sniveling,' but 'mesomeso' is specifically about the act of crying rather than just complaining.

Commonly used by characters like Zenitsu in 'Demon Slayer' when he is scared. Often heard in the 'Doraemon' series when Nobita is crying to Doraemon for help. Used in traditional Japanese 'rakugo' storytelling to depict weak characters.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Parenting

めそめそしないの！
まだめそめそしてるの？
めそめそ虫さんだね。
泣かないで、めそめそ。

Sports / Competitions

負けてめそめそするな！
めそめそする暇があったら練習しろ。
悔しくてめそめそした。
めそめそした態度は見せるな。

Romance / Heartbreak

失恋してめそめそ泣く。
めそめそした未練がある。
彼女の前でめそめそしたくない。
一晩中めそめそしていた。

Anime / Manga

このめそめそ野郎！
めそめそするのはもうやめだ。
主人公がめそめそしているシーン。
めそめそと泣き言を言う。

Self-Reflection

私、めそめそしすぎかな。
めそめそした自分を変えたい。
ついめそめそしてしまう。
昨日はめそめそしちゃってごめん。

Amorces de conversation

"「めそめそ」と「しくしく」の違い、知ってる？"

"最近、映画を見てめそめそ泣いたことある？"

"子供の頃、よくめそめそしてた？"

"友達がめそめそしていたら、なんて声をかける？"

"「めそめそするな」って言われたことある？"

Sujets d'écriture

最近、何か悲しいことがあってめそめそしたことはありますか？その理由を書いてください。

「めそめそ」という言葉の響きについて、どう感じますか？あなたの母国語に似た言葉はありますか？

あなたが知っている「めそめそ」しているアニメのキャラクターについて説明してください。

「めそめそするな」というアドバイスについて、あなたはどう思いますか？厳しすぎますか？

自分がめそめそした性格だと思うか、それとも強い性格だと思うか書いてください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It can be. Using it to describe someone else often implies you think they are being weak or a crybaby. It's fine for children, but use caution with adults.

No, that would be very disrespectful. For deep grief, use terms like 'kanashimi ni kureru' or 'musebi-naku'.

Mostly, but you can use it for pets (like a whimpering dog) or metaphorically for things like persistent, weak rain.

'Suru' focuses on the state/behavior of whimpering, while 'naku' focuses specifically on the act of crying. They are often interchangeable.

No, it is almost exclusively written in Hiragana as it is an onomatopoeic word.

Historically, it was often used more for women and children in literature, but today it's used for anyone perceived as acting 'weakly' in their crying.

You can say 'mesomeso shinaide kudasai,' but even then, the word 'mesomeso' itself is quite casual.

Very rarely. In business, you'd use 'kanjou-teki ni naru' (to get emotional) or 'rakutan suru' (to be discouraged).

Yes! It's common to use it in a self-deprecating way: 'hazukashii kedo, mesomeso shichatta' (It's embarrassing, but I ended up whimpering).

It mimics the repetitive, quiet sound of sniffling and the slight hitch in breath when one is trying (and failing) to stop crying.

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