Translation guide
In Japanese, the way you say 'dead fish' depends on context: whether the fish is still in water, freshly caught, served as food, or used metaphorically. The most common and neutral term is 死んだ魚 (shinda sakana), but other expressions are used in specific situations.
Referring to a fish that has died, in a general or neutral context.
The most straightforward and common way to say 'dead fish'. It can be used in most situations, from casual conversation to written descriptions.
池に死んだ魚が浮いていた。
A dead fish was floating in the pond.
He has eyes like a dead fish.
A more formal or literary term for 'dead fish'. Often used in written contexts, reports, or technical descriptions.
死魚が海岸に打ち上げられた。
Dead fish were washed up on the shore.
Describing a dead fish that is floating or visible in water, often in natural settings.
Literally 'floating fish', this implies the fish is dead and floating on the surface. Commonly used when the fish is seen in water.
川に浮いた魚がたくさんいた。
There were many dead fish floating in the river.
A more explicit way to say 'dead and floating fish'. It emphasizes the state of being dead and floating.
死んで浮いている魚を見つけた。
I found a dead fish floating.
Referring to fish that is no longer alive, typically in the context of freshness for cooking or selling.
Used when distinguishing between live and dead fish, especially at a market or when checking freshness. It simply states the fish is dead.
この魚はもう死んでいる。
This fish is already dead.
生きている魚と死んでいる魚では値段が違う。
The price differs between live fish and dead fish.
Literally 'liveliness is bad', this phrase describes fish that is not fresh or is close to death. It's commonly used in culinary contexts.
この魚は活きが悪いから、安くしてくれませんか。
This fish isn't very fresh, so could you lower the price?
Using 'dead fish' in a figurative sense, such as describing a lifeless expression, a weak handshake, or a dull atmosphere.
A common metaphor for lifeless, dull, or expressionless eyes. Equivalent to 'dead fish eyes' in English.
彼は死んだ魚の目で私を見た。
He looked at me with dead fish eyes.
Describes a limp, weak handshake, similar to the English 'dead fish handshake'.
彼の死んだ魚のような握手にはがっかりした。
I was disappointed by his dead-fish handshake.
While 死んだ魚 is the direct translation, in many contexts Japanese speakers might use more specific terms like 浮いた魚 (floating fish) or 活きが悪い (not fresh) depending on the situation. Avoid overusing 死んだ魚 when a more natural expression exists.