chub mackerel
Refers to the fish Scomber japonicus, a common mackerel species in Japanese waters. Often encountered in culinary contexts.
Chub mackerel is delicious both as sashimi and grilled.
Chub mackerel is fatty this time of year.
Katakana spelling is common for this fish name; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also used.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the fish name is normally written in kana.
The name マサバ is a compound of 真 (ma, 'true') and 鯖 (saba, 'mackerel'), distinguishing it from other mackerel species. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.