マダラ

マ

ダ

ラ

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

Pacific cod

usually written using kana alone

Refers specifically to Gadus macrocephalus, a common food fish in Japan.

マダラは鍋なべ料りょう理りによく使つかわれる。
Pacific cod is often used in hot pot dishes.

See all 24 example sentences ›

Kanji

真true, reality, Buddhist sect
鱈codfish, (kokuji)

Related words

ぶちN1
まだら is the broader term for any mottled or blotchy pattern, while ぶち is used specifically for spots on animal coats like dogs or cats.

Don't confuse with

むら
まだら (also written 斑) names a fixed spotted or mottled pattern on a surface, while 斑 (むら) refers to unevenness as a process or quality, including abstract inconsistency in performance or mood.

Built from

真ま+鱈たら

Written forms

マダラUsage23%
kana-only spelling
Usually written in katakana as a fish name; usually written in kana.
まだらUsage70%
真ま鱈だらUsage6%
Kanji form is rare; the katakana spelling is standard.

Etymology

From 真, an intensifying element meaning “true,” and 鱈, “cod,” with sequential voicing producing だら.