Translation guide
The English word 'barracuda' refers to a predatory marine fish. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is カマス (kamasu), but there are also more specific terms for certain species.
Referring to the fish in general, in everyday conversation or non-specialist contexts.
Referring to the large, potentially dangerous species Sphyraena barracuda, often encountered by divers.
Talking about barracuda as an ingredient or dish.
The same word is used for the fish as food. It is often grilled or dried.
In most everyday situations, use カマス. バラクーダ is understood but sounds like a foreign loanword and is mainly used in contexts like diving, marine biology, or when referring to the fish in a global/international sense.
The barracuda is a fish with a slender body and sharp teeth.
昨日、市場で新鮮なカマスを買いました。
Yesterday I bought fresh barracuda at the market.
Loanword from English, used in some contexts like diving or international cuisine, but less common than カマス.
ダイビング中にバラクーダの群れを見ました。
I saw a school of barracuda while diving.
Literally 'demon barracuda', this is the common Japanese name for the great barracuda. It emphasizes its large size and fierce appearance.
オニカマスは最大で2メートル近くになります。
The great barracuda can grow to nearly 2 meters.
Another name sometimes used for great barracuda, meaning 'poison barracuda', referring to the risk of ciguatera poisoning from eating large specimens. Less common than オニカマス.
大きなドクカマスはシガテラ毒を持つことがあります。
Large great barracuda can carry ciguatera toxin.
Salt-grilled barracuda is delicious.
この地域ではカマスの干物が名物です。
Dried barracuda is a local specialty in this area.