Translation guide
The animal 'whale' is 鯨 (くじら) in Japanese. This entry covers the animal, its meat, and related expressions.
Referring to the marine mammal.
The standard word for whale. Can be used in most contexts.
昨日、海で鯨を見ました。
I saw a whale in the ocean yesterday.
Katakana version, often used in scientific or general contexts, similar to 鯨.
クジラは哺乳類です。
Whales are mammals.
Referring to whale meat as food.
Specifically means whale meat. Used in culinary contexts.
鯨肉は日本の一部の地域で食べられています。
Whale meat is eaten in some regions of Japan.
Can also refer to whale meat in context, especially in dishes like 鯨の刺身 (whale sashimi).
Using 'whale' to describe something very large.
Means 'like a whale', used to describe something huge.
その船は鯨のように大きかった。
That ship was as big as a whale.
Referring to a person who spends a lot of money, especially in gambling or entertainment.
Literally 'fat customer', used for a big spender or high roller in bars, clubs, or gambling.
彼はあの店の太客だ。
He's a whale at that shop.
Means 'good customer' or 'valued customer', often implying someone who spends well.
While 'whale' can mean a big spender in English, the direct translation 鯨 is not used this way in Japanese. Use 太客 or 上客 instead.
彼はカジノの太客だ。
He's a whale at the casino.
Have you ever eaten whale sashimi?
あの人はうちの上客です。
That person is one of our whales.