1.
grilled rice cake; toasted mochi
Mochi that has been grilled or toasted, typically over a flame or in a toaster oven, causing it to puff up and develop a crispy exterior.
2.
jealousy; envy (especially in romantic relationships)
Jealousy, particularly the kind felt in romantic or close personal relationships. Often used in a somewhat lighthearted or teasing way.
This word has two distinct meanings connected by a pun on the verb 焼く (to grill/burn). Sense 1 is literal grilled mochi. Sense 2 uses the expression 焼き餅を焼く, which literally means "to grill grilled mochi" but idiomatically means "to be jealous."
Usage
The jealousy sense is most commonly used in the phrase 焼き餅を焼く. It tends to describe romantic jealousy and has a somewhat playful or teasing tone compared to the more serious 嫉妬.
Common collocations
- 焼き餅を焼く — to be jealous (sense 2); to grill mochi (sense 1)
- 焼き餅焼き — a jealous person
- 醤油焼き餅 — soy sauce grilled mochi