ちょっかい

ちょっかい
noun
meddling, teasing, making a pass
informalactionsociety
1. meddling, interfering, teasing
Unwanted interference or playful pestering in someone else's affairs.
ちょっかいを出(だ)すな。
Don't butt in.
弟(おとうと)が姉(あね)にちょっかいを出(だ)して怒(おこ)られた。
My little brother got scolded for teasing his sister.
猫(ねこ)が寝(ね)ている犬(いぬ)にちょっかいを出(だ)している。
The cat is bothering the sleeping dog.
他人(たにん)の仕事(しごと)にちょっかいを出(だ)すな。
Don't meddle in other people's work.
2. making a pass, hitting on
Making romantic or flirtatious advances toward someone.
彼女(かのじょ)にちょっかいを出(だ)すなよ。
Don't hit on my girlfriend.
同僚(どうりょう)の奥(おく)さんにちょっかいを出(だ)して問題(もんだい)になった。
He got in trouble for making a pass at his colleague's wife.

Common patterns

Almost always ちょっかいを出(だ)す: to meddle, to tease, to make a pass at. The target takes に: 弟(おとうと)にちょっかいを出(だ)す.

Usage

  • Teasing or meddling: mildly negative, often playful.
  • Romantic advances: implies unwelcome or inappropriate behavior.

Etymology

Originally a cat's front paw reaching out to swat at something.

general
Added 2026.2.1 17:15 · Revised 2026.10.2 15:55
09000/09360_chokkai