Translation guide
In Japanese, 'saltwater fish' is commonly expressed as 海水魚 (kaisuigyo), the standard term. For everyday contexts, especially when referring to fish as food, 海の魚 (umi no sakana) is natural. Note that 塩水魚 (ensuigyo) is a literal translation but rarely used.
The speaker wants to refer to fish that live in saltwater, as opposed to freshwater fish, in a general or scientific context.
Standard term for saltwater fish, used in biology, aquariums, and formal contexts.
海水魚と淡水魚では必要な飼育環境が異なります。
Saltwater fish and freshwater fish require different keeping environments.
Everyday phrase meaning 'fish of the sea'. Natural in conversation, especially when talking about seafood.
海の魚は川の魚より美味しいと思う。
I think saltwater fish are tastier than freshwater fish.
Literal translation of 'saltwater fish', but very rare. Not recommended for general use.
This word is almost never used in natural Japanese. Use 海水魚 instead.
塩水魚という言葉はほとんど使われません。
The word 'saltwater fish' is almost never used.
The speaker is talking about saltwater fish in the context of eating, cooking, or buying seafood.
Most natural way to refer to saltwater fish as food. Commonly used in markets and recipes.
今日は海の魚を買ってきた。
I bought some saltwater fish today.
海の魚を使った料理が好きです。
I like dishes made with saltwater fish.
Can be used in food contexts, but sounds slightly technical. Often seen in written descriptions or restaurant menus emphasizing the type of fish.
The speaker wants to name or list particular species of saltwater fish.
In Japanese, it's more natural to name the specific fish (e.g., マグロ for tuna, サバ for mackerel) rather than saying 'saltwater fish' when the type is known.
マグロやサバなどの海水魚が好きです。
I like saltwater fish such as tuna and mackerel.
海水魚 (kaisuigyo) is the formal, scientific term, while 海の魚 (umi no sakana) is the everyday expression. Use 海水魚 in academic or technical writing, and 海の魚 in casual conversation about food or general topics.
The word 塩水魚 (ensuigyo) is a direct translation of 'saltwater fish' but is almost never used in natural Japanese. It may be understood but sounds unnatural. Stick to 海水魚 or 海の魚.
この店は新鮮な海水魚が自慢です。
This restaurant prides itself on fresh saltwater fish.