Translation guide
The English word "fishy" has two main uses: a literal meaning related to fish, and a figurative meaning describing something suspicious. This guide helps learners express both naturally in Japanese.
Expressing that a situation, story, or person seems suspicious, questionable, or not trustworthy.
The most common and versatile word for 'suspicious' or 'dubious.' Can describe people, situations, or things that seem untrustworthy or shady.
Describing food, water, or an odor that has a fish-like taste or smell.
怪しい is the standard word for 'suspicious' and can be used in most contexts. 胡散臭い is more colloquial and implies a gut feeling that something is shady or not to be trusted. It often carries a nuance of distaste.
彼の言い訳は怪しい。
His excuse is suspicious.
あの店は胡散臭い。
That store seems really fishy/shady.
The word 魚っぽい (sakanappoi) means 'fish-like' in a literal sense (e.g., a fish-like creature). It is not used for the figurative meaning of 'fishy' (suspicious). Using it that way would cause confusion.
あの取引は何か怪しい。
There's something fishy about that deal.
この牛乳は生臭い。
This milk smells fishy.
あの話はちょっと怪しいね。
That story sounds a bit fishy.
怪しい人物が家の周りをうろついていた。
A suspicious person was lurking around the house.
Stronger than 怪しい, implying something smells fishy or seems shady. Often used for people or deals that feel untrustworthy.
あのセールスマン、胡散臭いな。
That salesman seems really fishy.
Literally 'it doesn't sit well in my gut.' Used when something doesn't add up or feels off, similar to 'something's fishy.'
彼の説明はどうも腑に落ちない。
His explanation just doesn't add up; it's fishy.
Slangy, literally 'stinks.' Used like 'that's fishy' in very casual speech. Can be rude if used about a person.
Can sound rough or accusatory. Use only among close friends.
それ、臭いよ。
That's fishy, man.
Describes a strong fishy or raw seafood smell/taste. Commonly used for fish markets, fishy-tasting water, or the smell of fish cooking.
この水はちょっと生臭い。
This water tastes a bit fishy.
台所が生臭いにおいでいっぱいだ。
The kitchen is full of a fishy smell.
Literally 'has the taste of fish.' A neutral way to say something tastes fishy.
この豆腐は魚の味がする。
This tofu tastes fishy.