How to say "chew" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 噛み熟すかみこなすgodan verb, transitive verbChewing something thoroughly, until it is completely broken down; the sense can extend to digesting. It is less common, and for plain 'chew' you normally want 噛む.
- 噛むかむgodan verb, transitive verbThe common, general word for chewing; it also covers gnawing and masticating. When you simply mean that someone chews their food, this is the word to use.
Use 「噛む」 for chewing in general — it also means to gnaw; 「噛み熟す」 adds the nuance of chewing something thoroughly and can extend to digesting, but it is the less common choice.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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