萌え
moe[mo̞e̞]
moe is the Japanese word for a strong interest or attraction towards a fictional character.
The noun 萌え describes a specific feeling of intense affection or a 'burning' passion for a character's particular traits. It is frequently combined with キャラ (short for character) to form the compound word 萌えキャラ, meaning 'moe character'.
Meaning: strong interest or attraction towards fictional character (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
moe
Did you know?
- Although it is spelled with the kanji for 'budding' or 'sprouting', 萌え is actually a pun on the word 燃える, which means 'to burn'.
Examples in context
- トムは萌えキャラにハマってるんだ。Tom is into moe characters.This sentence shows how to use 萌え to describe being into moe characters.Tatoeba #9494644 by Sim5634, translation #9518804 by DJ_Saidez
- このアニメ、萌え要素が多いね。Kono anime, moe youso ga ooi ne.This anime has a lot of moe elements.
- 最近の萌えの定義は難しい。Saikin no moe no teigi wa muzukashii.The definition of moe these days is difficult.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Yota are discussing a new manga.
- 陽葵 Himariこのキャラクターの萌えポイントはどこ？Kono kyarakutaa no moe pointo wa doko?What is the moe point of this character?
- 陽太 Yotaこの恥ずかしがっているところだよ。Kono hazukashigatte iru tokoro dayo.It's the way they are acting shy.
- 陽葵 Himariなるほど、確かに萌えだね。Naruhodo, tashika ni moe dane.I see, that is definitely moe.
- 陽太 Yotaだよね！最高に可愛いよ。Dayone! Saikou ni kawaii yo.Right! They are the cutest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moe” translations and entries 萌え, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 萌え, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
