Translation guide
In Japanese, roe is expressed through specific words depending on the type of fish and whether the eggs are inside the fish or have been removed. The most common terms are ikura (salmon roe), tarako (cod roe), and kazunoko (herring roe).
The learner wants to refer to the large, red-orange eggs of salmon, typically served as sushi or over rice.
The most common word for salmon roe. It refers specifically to the individual eggs that have been separated from the skein and are often cured in soy sauce. Used in sushi and donburi.
I'll have the salmon roe battleship roll, please.
I love salmon roe rice bowls.
Salmon roe still in the ovarian membrane (skein). It has a different texture and is often marinated whole. Less common than ikura but important to distinguish.
Sujiko is saltier than ikura.
The learner wants to refer to the roe of cod, typically salted and used in onigiri or as a side dish.
Salted cod roe. It is a common, affordable ingredient in Japanese cuisine, often used as a filling for onigiri or mixed with pasta.
One cod roe rice ball, please.
Spicy marinated cod roe, originally from Korean cuisine but very popular in Japan. It is seasoned with chili pepper and other spices.
The learner wants to refer to the roe of herring, a traditional New Year's food.
Dried herring roe, rehydrated and seasoned. It is a staple of osechi ryori (New Year's cuisine) and symbolizes fertility and many children.
There is herring roe in the New Year's dishes.
The learner wants to refer to roe in general or from other fish like flying fish or sea urchin.
A general term for fish eggs. It is more technical and used in contexts like biology or cooking, but not as common in everyday conversation as the specific terms.
Fish roe is rich in nutrients.
Flying fish roe, often used as a crunchy topping on sushi rolls. It is smaller than ikura and usually orange or black.
There is flying fish roe on the California roll.
Sea urchin roe, a delicacy. Technically the gonads, but commonly referred to as roe. It has a creamy texture and strong flavor.
The English word 'roe' covers many types of fish eggs, but Japanese uses distinct words for each. Using a general term like 魚卵 (gyoran) in a restaurant may cause confusion; it's better to use the specific name.
Please give me salmon roe.
Ikura refers to individual salmon eggs removed from the skein, while sujiko is the whole skein. Ikura is more common in sushi, while sujiko is often eaten as a side dish or with rice.
Ikura has loose eggs, but sujiko is wrapped in a membrane.
I want to eat cod roe spaghetti.
Mentaiko is spicy and delicious.
Sea urchin is a high-class sushi topping.