Translation guide
A large oceanic sport fish with a spear-like upper jaw. In Japanese, it is typically referred to by specific species names or the general term カジキ.
カジキ
marlin (fish)
Referring to the fish in general, in conversation or non-specialist contexts.
The most common general term for marlin and related billfish. Often used in fishing and culinary contexts.
カジキを釣りに行く。
I'm going fishing for marlin.
カジキのステーキは美味しい。
Marlin steak is delicious.
Specifically the striped marlin, but sometimes used loosely for marlin in general, especially in fishing contexts.
マカジキが跳ねた！
A striped marlin jumped!
When you need to distinguish between different types of marlin, such as in fishing reports or scientific contexts.
Black marlin (literally 'white marlin', confusingly). The largest species.
シロカジキは最大で700キロを超える。
Black marlin can exceed 700 kg.
Blue marlin (literally 'black marlin'). Common in tropical waters.
クロカジキは食用としても人気がある。
Blue marlin is also popular as food.
Sailfish, often grouped with marlin but technically different. Recognizable by its large dorsal fin.
Talking about marlin meat, often in sushi or cooked dishes.
Same as the general term; context makes it clear you mean the food.
カジキの刺身をください。
Please give me marlin sashimi.
Swordfish, often sold alongside marlin and sometimes confused. Not a true marlin, but commonly encountered in markets.
Technically swordfish, not marlin, but often grouped together in culinary contexts.
カジキ (marlin) is sometimes confused with マグロ (tuna) by learners because both are large oceanic fish used in sushi. However, they are different species. Marlin has a distinctive spear-like bill.
バショウカジキは世界最速の魚の一つだ。
The sailfish is one of the fastest fish in the world.
メカジキの照り焼きが好きです。
I like teriyaki swordfish.