Translation guide
A person who eats fish and seafood but not meat. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed descriptively rather than with a single common word.
The learner wants to say that someone (including themselves) is pescetarian or follows a pescetarian diet.
A clear, natural way to explain the diet: 'eats seafood but not meat'. Use this when introducing the concept.
私は魚介類は食べるが肉は食べない。
I eat seafood but not meat.
A more casual version using けど. Suitable for everyday conversation.
魚は食べるけど肉は食べないんだ。
I eat fish but not meat, you know.
The direct loanword from English. Recognizable among health-conscious or younger people, but not widely understood. Use with caution and be ready to explain.
Many Japanese speakers may not know this word. It is safer to describe the diet.
彼女はペスカタリアンだ。
She is a pescetarian.
The learner needs to communicate their dietary needs at a restaurant or when offered food.
Polite and clear: 'I cannot eat meat. Seafood is fine.' Use this when ordering or explaining restrictions.
すみません、肉が食べられません。魚介類は大丈夫です。
Excuse me, I can't eat meat. Seafood is okay.
Slightly more casual, using ダメ for 'no good'. Still polite enough for many situations.
肉はダメですが、魚は大丈夫です。
Meat is no good, but fish is fine.
In Japanese, you don't need to label yourself as a pescetarian. Simply state what you can and cannot eat. This is often more natural than using a noun.
魚介類だけ食べられます。
I can only eat seafood.
The word ペスカタリアン exists but is not common. Most Japanese people will not understand it immediately. It is better to describe the diet: '魚は食べるけど肉は食べない' (I eat fish but not meat).
魚介類 (ぎょかいるい) is a more formal term for 'fish and shellfish'. In casual speech, 魚 (さかな) often covers both fish and seafood in general.