Translation guide
The Japanese common squid is a specific species of squid commonly eaten in Japan. This entry covers how to refer to it in Japanese, from everyday names to scientific and culinary terms.
Japanese common squid (fresh)
Japanese common squid (dried)
The most common way to refer to this squid in daily conversation, at the market, or on a menu.
The standard Japanese name for the Japanese common squid (Todarodes pacificus). Used in cooking, fishing, and everyday contexts.
Let's have Japanese common squid sashimi tonight.
A common alternative name, especially in the Kansai region and in fishing communities. Often used at fish markets.
Used in academic, biological, or formal contexts.
The scientific Latin name, sometimes used in Japanese scientific literature. Not for everyday use.
Todarodes pacificus is widely caught in the waters around Japan.
When referring to the squid after it has been dried, a common preparation method.
Dried Japanese common squid, a popular snack and ingredient. Note: スルメ usually implies the dried form, while スルメイカ is the fresh animal.
I grilled some dried squid to have with drinks.
How it appears on menus or in recipes, often with specific names.
On sushi menus, it may be written in hiragana or katakana. Often simply called イカ (ika) when the type is clear from context.
Two pieces of Japanese common squid nigiri, please.
Strictly speaking, やりいか refers to spear squid, but it is sometimes confused with Japanese common squid on menus. Be aware of the distinction.
Not exactly the same species; use スルメイカ to be precise.
At fish markets, マイカ is very common. In Kanto, スルメイカ is standard. Both refer to the same species.
Japanese has many squid names: アオリイカ (bigfin reef squid), コウイカ (cuttlefish), ヤリイカ (spear squid). スルメイカ is the most common commercially caught squid in Japan.
このマイカは今朝獲れたばかりです。
This Japanese common squid was just caught this morning.
This 'spear squid' is actually Japanese common squid.