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 plays on 妬く (to be jealous), which sounds the same: 焼き餅を焼く, literally "to grill grilled mochi," 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