Translation guide
The English word 'shrimp' refers to a small, long-tailed marine crustacean. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is エビ, but this covers both shrimp and prawn. The guide below helps learners choose the right expression based on context, including food, biology, and idiomatic uses.
Referring to shrimp as an ingredient or dish, in restaurants, recipes, or daily conversation.
The most common and versatile word for shrimp (and prawn) in Japanese. Used in cooking, menus, and everyday talk. Often written in katakana, but kanji 海老 is also seen.
I love shrimp tempura.
このエビは新鮮ですね。
This shrimp is fresh, isn't it?
Kanji form of エビ, often used in formal writing, restaurant names, or traditional contexts. Same meaning.
海老の姿焼き
whole grilled shrimp
Specifically 'sweet shrimp' (often raw, used in sushi). A common variety in Japanese cuisine.
甘エビのお刺身をください。
I'll have the sweet shrimp sashimi, please.
Talking about shrimp as a creature, in biology, or in the wild.
Works for the animal as well. Context makes it clear whether you mean the food or the living creature.
川で小さなエビを見つけた。
I found a small shrimp in the river.
Freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium species), literally 'long-armed shrimp'. Used in biology or fishing contexts.
Using 'shrimp' to describe a small or weak person, often derogatory.
Slang for a short person or runt. Can be insulting or affectionate depending on context. Not directly 'shrimp' but closest in meaning.
Can be offensive; use with care.
あのチビ、生意気だな。
That shrimp is cheeky.
Literally 'small guy', a more neutral way to refer to a small person. Not as strong as 'shrimp' but conveys the idea.
小さい奴だけど、力はある。
He's a shrimp, but he's strong.
The loanword シュリンプ (shurinpu) exists but is mainly used in foreign dish names (e.g., シュリンプカクテル 'shrimp cocktail') or brand names. In daily Japanese, エビ is overwhelmingly more natural.
English 'to shrimp' (e.g., in fishing) has no direct Japanese equivalent. Use descriptive phrases like 小エビを捕る (to catch small shrimp) or エビのように縮こまる (to curl up like a shrimp).
テナガエビは大きなハサミを持っている。
Freshwater prawns have large claws.