noun
swimming crab; Japanese blue crab
Refers specifically to Portunus trituberculatus, a common edible crab in Japan. Often used in cooking contexts.
See also: ガザミ
ワタリガニは味噌汁に入れると美味しい。
Swimming crab is delicious when put in miso soup.
市場で生きたワタリガニを買った。
I bought live swimming crabs at the market.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in practice.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Abbreviated kanji spelling; rarely used.
ガザミ is another name for the same species, often used regionally or in fishing contexts.
From 渡り (wandering) + 蟹 (crab), referring to its migratory behavior. The exact derivation is uncertain.