1.
rice cake, mochi
A sticky Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice that has been pounded into a paste.
正月に餅を食べる。
We eat mochi at New Year's.
餅をつく音が聞こえる。
I can hear the sound of pounding mochi.
餅は喉に詰まりやすいので気をつけて。
Be careful because mochi can easily get stuck in your throat.
焼いた餅に醤油をつけて食べるのが好きだ。
I like eating grilled mochi dipped in soy sauce.
年末になると、近所の人たちが集まって餅つきをするのが毎年の楽しみだ。
Every year at the end of the year, the neighborhood gathers to pound mochi, and it's something I look forward to.
餅 is a traditional Japanese food made from glutinous rice (餅米) that is steamed and pounded.
COMMON TYPES:
- お雑煮 (mochi soup eaten at New Year's)
- 草餅 (mugwort mochi)
- 大福 (mochi filled with sweet bean paste)
- 切り餅 (pre-cut mochi squares)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 餅をつく (to pound mochi)
- 餅を焼く (to grill/toast mochi)
- 餅が伸びる (mochi stretches)
SAFETY NOTE:
Every year in Japan, people (especially elderly) choke on mochi. It should be eaten carefully, in small pieces.