焼きもち

• Reading: やきもち
• Romaji: yakimochi
• Kanji breakdown: 焼 (yaki) — grill, burn
• Pronunciation: /ja.ki.mo.tɕi/

Meaning

Jealousy; envy. Particularly romantic jealousy expressed in a somewhat endearing way.

A noun referring to jealousy, especially the kind seen in romantic relationships. Lighter and more playful than 嫉妬 (shitto), which sounds heavier and more serious. The key expression is 焼きもちを焼く (to be jealous, literally 'to grill mochi'). Despite literally meaning 'grilled rice cake,' it is almost exclusively used in its jealousy meaning in conversation. Often describes cute or mild jealousy rather than destructive envy.

Examples

1. 彼女は彼が他の女性と話すと焼きもちを焼く。 She gets jealous when he talks to other women.
2. 子供が弟にお母さんを取られて焼きもちを焼いている。 The child is jealous because their little brother is hogging Mom's attention.
3. ちょっと焼きもちを焼いてくれると嬉しいな。 It'd make me happy if you got a little jealous.

Usage Guide

Context: romance, family, conversation, teasing

Tone: playful

Origin & History

Literally 'grilled mochi' (rice cake), from 焼き (yaki, grilled) + もち (mochi, rice cake). A pun on 焼く (to burn/to grill) which also means 'to be jealous' in Japanese. The wordplay connects the burning sensation of jealousy with grilling food.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal