MOCCHI-RI もっちり
Meanings
Describes a pleasantly soft yet resilient texture with satisfying elasticity and a slight chewiness or cling, especially in food or skin.
Examples
I like ice cream with a soft, chewy, springy texture.
もっちりした食感のアイスが好き。
Your skin looks so plump and supple that dryness seems impossible.
乾燥肌とは無縁そうな、もっちり肌だね。
Dogmatic Opinion
The reference texture is mochi—especially the feel of daifuku.
Nobody bites into actual mochi and says, “Wow, mochi is really MOCCHI-RI,” because that would almost be tautological.
Human skin, especially a cheek, can also be MOCCHI-RI when it has moderate fullness and moisture and seems to cling softly to your palm.
Mozzarella can be MOCCHI-RI too.
Mozzarella. Mocchiri. Italy and Japanese sound symbolism have achieved a small miracle.
Proximate Expression
chewy
elastic
sticky
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
Chewy, springy, pleasantly elastic, supple, plump and resilient may fit. For bread, noodles, mochi-like desserts, or ice cream, chewy and springy work well; for skin, supple or plump and resilient is better. The pleasure of the texture is part of the word.
