A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Okonomiyaki
Learn to pronounce okonomiyaki, the savory Japanese pancake, with this easy guide.
okonomiyaki
oh-koh-noh-mee-YAH-kee
/oʊ.koʊ.noʊ.miˈjɑ.ki/ · o · ko · no · mi · ya · ki
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
Okonomiyaki is commonly found on the menus of Japanese restaurants, especially those specializing in casual or street food. You'll also hear it discussed when people talk about traveling in Japan or trying authentic Japanese cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from Japanese: 'okonomi' meaning 'how you like' or 'what you like', and 'yaki' meaning 'grilled' or 'fried'. It literally means 'grilled as you like it'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- oh-koh-NO-mee-yuh-kee People sometimes put the stress on the wrong syllable. Remember the main stress is on the 'ya' sound.
- oh-KOH-no-mee-yah-kee The first 'o' is generally a soft 'oh' sound, not a strong 'koh'.
Frequently asked
What is okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake dish. It's made with flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, with various ingredients added according to preference, then grilled.
What are common okonomiyaki ingredients?
Common ingredients include pork belly, shrimp, squid, and vegetables like green onions. It's often topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.
