Translation guide
The activity of catching fish, either as a hobby or profession. In Japanese, the most common word is 釣り (tsuri), but there are other terms depending on the method and context.
Catching fish for fun, typically with a rod and line.
Catching fish as a profession or for commercial purposes.
The fishing industry or commercial fishing as a business.
The act of catching fish or other aquatic animals, not specifying method.
Refers to the catch or the act of catching fish, often used in statistics or formal contexts.
Using 'fishing' metaphorically or for catching things other than fish.
釣り (tsuri) is for recreational fishing with a rod. 漁 (ryō) is for commercial or subsistence fishing, often using nets or other methods. Use 釣り for hobbies, 漁 for professions.
My father is a fisherman. He goes out fishing every day.
The loanword フィッシング (fisshingu) is used almost exclusively for 'phishing' (online fraud). Avoid using it for actual fishing.
When I was a child, I often went fishing in the river.
This town prospers from the fishing industry.
Fishing as an occupation or for catching fish in general, often used in compounds.
To go out fishing (as a fisherman).
This year's fish catch decreased.
Metaphorical: 'to fish for information'. The verb 釣る means to fish or to lure.
He tried to fish for information from me.