noun
young sweetfish; young ayu
Refers to juvenile sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis), often encountered in culinary or fishing contexts. The reading わかゆ is obsolete.
See also: 鮎
初夏になると、川で若鮎が釣れる。
In early summer, young sweetfish can be caught in the river.
この料理には新鮮な若鮎を使っています。
This dish uses fresh young sweetfish.
Kana spelling is acceptable, especially in contexts where the kanji 鮎 is less familiar.
鮎 is the general term for sweetfish, while 若鮎 specifically means young sweetfish.
Compound of 若 (young) and 鮎 (sweetfish).