Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for flying fish is トビウオ. It can refer to the fish itself or as food. There are also regional and seasonal names.
トビウオ
flying fish
Referring to the flying fish as an animal, in general contexts.
The standard Japanese word for flying fish. Can be written in kanji as 飛魚, but katakana is more common.
トビウオが海面から飛び出した。
A flying fish leaped out of the sea.
Kanji form of トビウオ, used in literature or formal contexts.
飛魚は暖かい海に生息する。
Flying fish inhabit warm seas.
Referring to flying fish as an ingredient or dish.
Used for the fish as food, same as the animal.
トビウオの刺身は珍味だ。
Flying fish sashimi is a delicacy.
Regional name for flying fish, especially in Kyushu and along the Japan Sea coast. Often used for dried fish or dashi.
Using a poetic seasonal word for flying fish, often in haiku or literature.
Literally 'spring flying fish', a kigo (seasonal word) for haiku.
春飛魚や波間に光る銀の鱗
Spring flying fish—silver scales glittering among the waves.
In some regions, especially in western Japan, flying fish is called アゴ. This name is commonly used for the dried fish used to make dashi (broth).
I made miso soup with flying fish broth.