Translation guide
Alaska pollack is a fish species commonly used in Japanese cuisine, especially for surimi-based products. The most common Japanese term is スケトウダラ, but it also appears in food contexts as スケソウダラ or simply タラ.
Referring to the fish itself, in biological, fishing, or general contexts.
Standard Japanese name for Alaska pollack. Used in scientific, culinary, and everyday contexts.
Alaska pollack is a fish that lives in the North Pacific.
Alternate name, often used in food industry contexts. Slightly less common than スケトウダラ.
Alaska pollack surimi is an ingredient for kamaboko.
Referring to Alaska pollack as an ingredient, particularly in surimi, fish cakes, or roe.
Generic term for cod, often used in food names when the specific species is clear from context. For Alaska pollack, it appears in dishes like タラの芽 (incorrect, actually a plant) or タラのすり身.
タラ alone can refer to any cod species. In food contexts, it's usually understood as Alaska pollack when referring to surimi or cheap white fish.
This kamaboko is made from cod surimi.
Used explicitly when the species matters, e.g., in product labeling or recipes.
Referring specifically to the salted roe of Alaska pollack, a common Japanese food.
Spicy seasoned pollack roe. Very common in Japanese cuisine. Note: this is the roe, not the fish itself.
Mentaiko is Alaska pollack ovaries seasoned with chili pepper.
Salted pollack roe, usually not spicy. Can refer to roe from other cod species as well.
In English, 'Alaska pollack' is specific, but Japanese タラ can mean any cod. If you need to be precise, use スケトウダラ.
If you're talking about the roe, use 明太子 (spicy) or たらこ (mild). These are more common than the fish name in daily conversation.
Alaska pollack roe becomes mentaiko.
たらこパスタは和風パスタの定番です。
Tarako pasta is a classic Japanese-style pasta.