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.
エビの天ぷらが大好きです。
I love shrimp tempura.
This shrimp is fresh, isn't it?
Kanji form of エビ, often used in formal writing, restaurant names, or traditional contexts. Same meaning.
whole grilled shrimp
Specifically 'sweet shrimp' (often raw, used in sushi). A common variety in Japanese cuisine.
I'll have the sweet shrimp sashimi, please.
Talking about shrimp as a creature, in biology, or in the wild.
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.
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.
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.