noun
A small, annual, freshwater fish native to East Asia, known for its sweet flavor and fragrant aroma when grilled. Often associated with summer and river fishing in Japan.
夏になると、アユ釣りを楽しむ人が増える。
In summer, more people enjoy fishing for ayu.
塩焼きにしたアユは香りが良くて美味しい。
Salt-grilled ayu is fragrant and delicious.
Rare kanji form meaning 'year fish', referring to its one-year lifespan.
Rare kanji form meaning 'fragrant fish'.
The origin of the word あゆ is uncertain. The kanji 鮎 is a kokuji (Japanese-made character) combining 魚 (fish) and 占 (divination), possibly from the ancient practice of using ayu to predict the year's harvest.