ほかほか
ほかほか
adverb, na-adjective, verb (suru)
warm, steaming
1.
warm, steaming
Pleasantly warm; describing freshly cooked food or warm feelings.
ほかほかの焼きたてパンを食べた。
I ate freshly baked, warm bread.
体がほかほかしてきた。
My body started to feel warm.
ほかほかの御飯が食べたい。
I want to eat steaming hot rice.
ほかほか is an onomatopoeia describing pleasant warmth, especially from freshly cooked food.
GRAMMAR:
- Adverb: ほかほかと温かい
- Na-adjective: ほかほかの + noun
- Suru verb: 体がほかほかする
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ほかほかの御飯: steaming hot rice
- ほかほかの弁当: hot/warm bento
- ほかほかに温まる: to get nice and warm
NUANCE:
Conveys pleasant, comforting warmth - not scorching hot. Associated with freshly cooked food, warm drinks, or the comfortable feeling after a bath.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- あつあつ: piping hot (hotter than ほかほか)
- ぽかぽか: warm and cozy (body warmth)
CULTURAL NOTE:
ほっかほっか亭 is a popular bento chain whose name derives from this word.