noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
chewing; mastication
Literal physical act of chewing food thoroughly. Often used in medical or formal contexts.
食べ物はよく咀嚼してから飲み込んでください。
Please chew your food well before swallowing.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
Figurative use: carefully understanding, internalizing, or appreciating information, words, or concepts. Often used with abstract objects like 言葉, 内容, 意味.
彼は難しい哲学書の内容をじっくり咀嚼した。
He carefully digested the content of the difficult philosophy book.
先生の言葉をよく咀嚼して自分のものにしなさい。
Thoroughly assimilate the teacher's words and make them your own.