Translation guide
The English word "shoal" can refer to a shallow area in a body of water, a sandbank or submerged ridge, or a large group of fish. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The most common and direct translation for a shallow area in a body of water. Used for both sea and river shallows.
The boat ran aground on a shoal.
You can see fish clearly in the shallows.
A more general phrase meaning 'shallow place'. Less specific than 浅瀬 but easily understood.
We played in the shallow part of the river.
Referring to a ridge of sand or gravel just below or at the water surface, often a hazard to navigation.
Specifically a sandbar or sandbank. Commonly used in geography and navigation contexts.
A large sandbank has formed at the river mouth.
A general term for a sandbank or shoal in water. Often used in place names.
Refers to a submerged reef or rock shoal, often hidden and dangerous. More specific than sandbank.
Describing a school or shoal of fish swimming together.
The standard term for a school or shoal of fish. Used in fishing, marine biology, and everyday conversation.
A shoal of fish is migrating.
We found a large shoal of fish.
A general word for a group of animals, including fish. When context is clear, it can mean a shoal.
The adjective 'shallow' is 浅い (あさい), not 浅瀬. 浅瀬 is a noun meaning a shallow place.
There are many shoals around here, so caution is needed when navigating.
暗礁に乗り上げて船底が破損した。
The ship struck a reef and damaged its hull.
A shoal of fish is swimming.