A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Mochi
A Japanese rice cake that's chewy, sweet, and often filled with ice cream or sweet bean paste.
mochi
MOH-chee
/ˈmoʊ.tʃi/ · MOH · chee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular treat found in Asian grocery stores and sometimes in the freezer section of larger supermarkets. People often discuss mochi as a unique dessert experience.
Where the word comes from
Mochi comes from the Japanese word 'mochi', which itself is derived from 'motsumochi', meaning 'to have a full month' or 'to have a long time'. This likely refers to the traditional preparation and consumption of mochi during New Year celebrations.
Common ways people get it wrong
- MOE-kee This mistake likely comes from confusing the 'ch' sound with a 'k' sound, similar to how 'gnocchi' is sometimes mispronounced.
- MO-shi This is a simple phonetic slip, replacing the 'ch' sound with an 'sh' sound.
Frequently asked
What is mochi made of?
Mochi is made from glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice. The rice is pounded into a paste and then shaped.
Is mochi sweet?
Traditional mochi is not heavily sweetened, but it's often served with sweet toppings or fillings like red bean paste, fruit, or ice cream, making the overall dessert sweet.
How do you eat mochi?
Mochi can be eaten as is, often with tea, or as a dessert filled with ice cream or other sweet ingredients. Be sure to chew it thoroughly due to its sticky texture.
How do the Japanese say mochi?
In Japanese, mochi is pronounced with a soft 'ch' sound, similar to the 'ch' in 'cheese'. The emphasis is on the first syllable, 'mo'.
What will we say mochi in English?
In English, mochi is generally pronounced similarly to the Japanese pronunciation, 'moh-chee'. Some variations exist, but 'moh-chee' is the most common.
What is the pronunciation of mochi in Japanese?
The Japanese pronunciation of mochi is 'mo-chi', with the 'chi' sound being soft and unstressed. The stress falls on the first syllable, 'mo'.
What is the pronunciation of mochi in English?
In English, mochi is typically pronounced as 'moh-chee'. The 'o' sound is like in 'go' and the 'i' sound is like in 'see'.
