Translation guide
The English word 'tuna' refers to the fish, often as food. In Japanese, the word depends on the species and whether it's the fish itself or the prepared meat, especially for sushi/sashimi.
I want to eat tuna sushi.
Do you have canned tuna?
Referring to the tuna fish as a living creature or in a general biological sense.
The most common general term for tuna fish. Can refer to various species.
Tuna are fast-swimming fish.
Referring to tuna meat, especially for sushi or sashimi. The Japanese term varies by the cut and fat content.
General term for tuna meat, often used in sushi contexts. Can refer to lean cuts.
I bought tuna sashimi today.
Refers specifically to the fatty belly portion of tuna, prized for its rich flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The fattiest part of the tuna belly, even richer than regular toro. Often used in high-end sushi.
Fatty tuna belly melts in your mouth.
Medium-fatty tuna belly, between lean akami and fatty otoro.
Referring to tuna preserved in a can, often used in sandwiches or salads.
The loanword 'tsuna' specifically refers to canned tuna, not fresh tuna. Commonly used in cooking.
I'll make a salad with canned tuna.
A brand name (Sea Chicken) that has become a generic term for canned tuna in Japan, similar to 'Kleenex' for tissues.
Referring to a particular species of tuna, such as bluefin or yellowfin.
The English loanword ツナ (tsuna) almost always means canned tuna. Using it for fresh tuna sushi will cause confusion. Use マグロ (maguro) instead.
Incorrect: 'tsuna sashimi'
Correct: 'maguro sashimi'
Three pieces of fatty tuna nigiri, please.
Medium-fatty tuna is light and delicious.
Mix the canned tuna with mayonnaise.
Yellowfin tuna is often used in canned products.