Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'lobster' depends on whether you mean the large-clawed Atlantic lobster or the clawless spiny lobster common in Japan. The most common term is 伊勢海老 (ise ebi), which refers to the spiny lobster. For the American lobster with claws, use ロブスター (robusutā).
The most common lobster in Japan, often eaten as sashimi or grilled. No large claws.
The standard term for the Japanese spiny lobster, a prized delicacy. Often associated with celebrations.
お正月に伊勢海老を食べました。
We ate spiny lobster for New Year's.
General word for shrimp/prawn/lobster. Context usually clarifies it's a lobster, especially when referring to spiny lobster.
この海老は大きいですね。
This lobster is big, isn't it?
The lobster commonly known in the West, with big claws. Not native to Japan but available in restaurants.
Katakana loanword for the clawed lobster. Used in Western-style dishes.
レストランでロブスターを注文した。
I ordered lobster at the restaurant.
Specifically refers to the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) or sometimes the American lobster. Used in culinary contexts.
Referring to lobster meat or dishes without specifying species.
The safest choice for lobster dishes in international or Western contexts.
ロブスターのサラダが好きです。
I like lobster salad.
If the dish is Japanese-style and uses spiny lobster.
伊勢海老 (ise ebi) is the spiny lobster without claws, common in Japan. ロブスター (robusutā) is the clawed lobster from the Atlantic. Use 伊勢海老 for traditional Japanese cuisine and ロブスター for Western dishes.
伊勢海老は姿造りで出されることが多い。
Ise ebi is often served as sashimi arranged in its original shape.
ロブスターはバター焼きが定番だ。
Lobster is typically grilled with butter.
海老 (ebi) usually means shrimp or prawn. If you say 海老, people will likely picture a shrimp, not a lobster. Use ロブスター or 伊勢海老 to be clear.
オマール海老のビスクは濃厚です。
Lobster bisque is rich.
伊勢海老の刺身は絶品だ。
Spiny lobster sashimi is exquisite.