Ever held a hot bowl of soup on a cold day? Or bit into a fresh croquette and immediately regretted it?
That’s when the Japanese onomatopoeia “Atsu Atsu” (あつあつ) steps in — it expresses the sensation of something piping hot, especially food or warm items like heating pads.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Atsu Atsu” (あつあつ)?
“Atsu Atsu” mimics the sensation of:
- Hot food fresh out of the pot or oven
- Warm, toasty things like hot packs or kotatsu
- Sometimes even steamy romantic tension (colloquial!)
It’s mostly used for food — like ramen, curry, or freshly fried items.
Nuance:
Steaming, just-cooked, or too-hot-to-handle!
Pronunciation
ah-tsoo ah-tsoo
(repeat with a puff of air — like blowing on hot soup)
Category
Condition
What Does “Atsu Atsu” Look Like?
The feeling when you shout, “Atsu!” and start blowing right away
A sizzling takoyaki ball
A hot heating pad in winter
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a smile:
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Freshly made dumplings
She bit into the dumpling, and the hot juice burst out —
Atsu Atsu!
Example 2: Holding a hot pack
He tucked the hot pack into his pocket —
Atsu Atsu and cozy.
Cultural Note
In English, we might say:
- “Piping hot”
- “Fresh out of the oven”
- “Steaming!”
But “Atsu Atsu” adds a warm, cozy, and slightly comical feel.
It’s often repeated for rhythm and cuteness.
You might even hear it in romantic comedy manga, jokingly describing a “hot couple” as Atsu Atsu couple!
Watch & Feel the “Atsu Atsu!” World
Feel the “Atsu Atsu!” — Oden
Try Using It!
The next time you touch a hot bowl or unwrap fresh pizza,
say it playfully:
Atsu Atsu!
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