Translation guide
A specific fish species native to East Asia, known for its sweet-tasting flesh and cultural significance in Japan. The Japanese word is 鮎 (あゆ).
Referring to the fish itself, in culinary, ecological, or cultural contexts.
The standard Japanese word for sweetfish. Used in all contexts: biology, cuisine, fishing, and culture.
夏になると、この川で鮎がたくさん釣れます。
In summer, you can catch a lot of sweetfish in this river.
鮎の塩焼きは絶品です。
Salt-grilled sweetfish is exquisite.
A literary or poetic name for sweetfish, literally 'fragrant fish', referring to its characteristic aroma. Rarely used in everyday speech.
香魚の香りが川面に漂う。
The scent of sweetfish drifts over the river surface.
Another literary name, meaning 'year fish', because sweetfish live for only one year. Very rare.
年魚の一生は短い。
The life of a sweetfish is short.
Sweetfish (ayu) is a beloved summer delicacy in Japan, often grilled with salt and eaten whole. It is also associated with traditional cormorant fishing (鵜飼い, ukai) and is a popular subject in haiku and poetry.