Japanese word

もむ

Pronunciation

Romajimomu

Meaning

  • verbrub

Example

手をもみます。te o mo mi ma su

I rub my hands.

Illustration for もむ (rub)

More examples

美容師は客の首をもみます。bi yō shi wa kyaku no kubi o mo mi ma su

The hairdresser massages the customer's neck.

Core concept

Covers repeated hand pressure that changes a surface or texture through rubbing, kneading, massaging, or squeezing.

Common phrases

  • 肩をもむkata o mo mu

    massage the shoulders

  • 足をもむashi o mo mu

    massage the feet

  • 手をもむte o mo mu

    rub one's hands

Similar words

こするkosuru: To rub a surface or object back and forth with pressure.
さするsasuru: To rub a person or body part gently with the hand.
こねるkoneru: To knead a soft material repeatedly by pressing and folding it.

Definition in Japanese

手や指で物を押し動かし、こすって刺激したり、練って柔らかくしたり、しわを寄せたりする。te ya yubi de mono o o shi ugo ka shi ko su tte shi geki shi ta ri ne tte yawa ra ka ku shi ta ri shi wa o yo se ta ri su ru

Word origin

もむ (momu) is a native Japanese verb, not a compound or a noun-based formation, and its earlier history is uncertain; the usual spelling 揉む (momu, "rub or knead") reflects its physical meaning.

Usage tips

  • When the object is a person's 肩 (kata), もむ (momu) commonly describes a shoulder massage, but with dough or another material it describes working the texture by hand.

Other meanings

  • massageverb
  • kneadverb
  • crumpleverb

Related words

  • もみ方momikataway of rubbingnoun

Word lists with this word