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.
The general term for fishing as a hobby or sport. It implies using a rod and line.
Would you like to go fishing this weekend?
彼は釣りが大好きです。
He loves fishing.
Literally 'fish fishing'. Emphasizes that the target is fish, but 釣り is more common.
子供の頃、よく川で魚釣りをしました。
When I was a child, I often went fishing in the river.
Catching fish as a profession or for commercial purposes.
The fishing industry or commercial fishing as a business.
この町は漁業で栄えています。
This town prospers from the fishing industry.
Fishing as an occupation or for catching fish in general, often used in compounds.
漁に出る。
To go out fishing (as a fisherman).
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.
今年の漁獲量は減少した。
This year's fish catch decreased.
Using 'fishing' metaphorically or for catching things other than fish.
Attach to the target to mean 'fishing for ~'. E.g., イカ釣り (squid fishing), 雑魚釣り (fishing for small fish).
イカ釣りに行く。
Go squid fishing.
Metaphorical: 'to fish for information'. The verb 釣る means to fish or to lure.
彼は私から情報を釣ろうとした。
He tried to fish for information from me.
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.
父は漁師です。毎日漁に出ます。
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.