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.

ちょっかい is almost always used with the verb 出(だ)す in the pattern ちょっかいを出(だ)す (to meddle, interfere, make a pass).

The word originally referred to a cat's front paw reaching out to swat at something, which evolved to describe unwanted interference or flirtatious advances.

Usage

  • For teasing/meddling: neutral to mildly negative
  • For romantic advances: usually implies unwelcome or inappropriate behavior
general
Added 2026.2.1 17:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09360_chokkai