やきもちを焼く

• Reading: やきもちをやく
• Romaji: yakimochi wo yaku
• Kanji breakdown: 焼 (ya/shō) — to burn, grill
• Pronunciation: /ja.ki.mo.tɕi.o.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

To be jealous; to feel jealousy. Specifically about romantic or personal jealousy, not envy of possessions.

A compound expression using やきもち (jealousy, literally 'grilled rice cake') with 焼く (to grill/burn). Group 1 (godan) conjugation via 焼く. Playful and colloquial in tone. Specifically refers to jealousy in relationships — feeling possessive when a partner shows attention to others.

Examples

1. 彼女は彼が他の女性と話しているのを見て、やきもちを焼いた。 She got jealous when she saw him talking to another woman.
2. 犬が赤ちゃんにやきもちを焼いて、甘えてくる。 The dog gets jealous of the baby and starts acting clingy.
3. やきもちを焼くのは好きな証拠だよ。 Getting jealous is proof that you like someone.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, romance, family

Tone: playful

Origin & History

やきもち is a pun combining 焼き餅 (grilled rice cake) with 妬き (jealousy/burning with envy). The wordplay links the 'burning' of jealousy to the 'grilling' of rice cakes.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal