A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Yakitori
Japanese grilled chicken skewers, pronounced with emphasis on the 'TOH' syllable. A popular izakaya and restaurant menu item.
yakitori
yah-kee-TOH-ree
/jɑː.kiˈtoʊ.ri/ · yah · kee · TOH · ree
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic when discussing Japanese cuisine or street food.
Where the word comes from
From Japanese 焼き鳥 (yakitori), literally meaning 'grilled bird'. It combines 焼く (yaku, 'to grill') and 鳥 (tori, 'bird').
Common ways people get it wrong
- yuh-KAI-tore-ee This common mistake comes from trying to force a familiar English spelling onto the Japanese word. Remember the 'y' is like 'yah' and the 'i's are like 'ee'.
- yack-uh-TOR-ee The initial 'ya' sound is softer than 'yack'. Also, the stress falls on the third syllable, 'TOH', not the second.
Frequently asked
What does yakitori mean?
Yakitori literally translates to 'grilled bird' in Japanese. It refers to Japanese-style grilled chicken skewers.
How do you pronounce yakitori correctly?
The most common pronunciation in American English is yah-kee-TOH-ree. The stress is on the third syllable, 'TOH'.
Is yakitori always chicken?
While traditionally made with chicken, yakitori can also include other ingredients like vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions) or even other meats, though chicken is the most common.
