also: まつばがに
noun
snow crab; queen crab
Refers to the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), a prized winter delicacy in Japan, especially associated with the San'in region. Often called 松葉ガニ when caught in Tottori or Shimane.
See also: ずわい蟹
冬になると、松葉ガニを食べに鳥取へ行く人が多い。
In winter, many people go to Tottori to eat snow crab.
noun
champagne crab
A different species (Hypothalassia armata), rarely encountered in everyday contexts. The name 松葉ガニ is occasionally applied to this crab, but it is not the common snow crab.
市場で「松葉ガニ」として売られていたが、実は珍しいシャンパンクラブだった。
It was sold as 'matsuba crab' at the market, but it was actually a rare champagne crab.
ずわい蟹 is the general term for snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), while 松葉ガニ is a regional brand name for the same species caught in specific areas like Tottori.
The name 松葉 (pine needle) is said to come from the shape of the crab's legs resembling pine needles. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a well-known regional name.