Translation guide
The English phrase 'big catch' can refer to a large haul of fish, a significant achievement or acquisition, or an important person captured or recruited. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a large amount of fish caught, often in fishing contexts.
Standard term for a big catch of fish. Used in fishing reports, news, and everyday conversation.
今日は大漁だった。
We had a big catch today.
大漁旗が掲げられた。
The big catch flag was raised.
Similar to 大漁, but often used in more formal or written contexts, such as news articles or official reports.
今年はサンマが豊漁だ。
This year, the saury catch is abundant.
Literally 'to catch a big one', referring to a single large fish rather than a large quantity. Used in recreational fishing.
昨日、大物を釣った。
I caught a big one yesterday.
Referring to a valuable find, a major success, or an important person recruited, often in business, sports, or romance.
Means 'big shot' or 'big fish' metaphorically. Can refer to an important person recruited or a major deal/acquisition.
彼は大物選手だ。
He's a big catch (as a player).
あの会社は大物を引き抜いた。
That company poached a big shot.
Literally 'big harvest', used metaphorically for a great result or acquisition, like a big catch in terms of gains.
今回の展示会は大収穫だった。
This exhibition was a big catch (we got a lot out of it).
Referring to catching a criminal, suspect, or recruiting a key person, often in police or corporate contexts.
Literally 'catch a big one', used for apprehending a major criminal or suspect.
警察はついに大物を捕まえた。
The police finally caught a big fish.
Means to poach or recruit a key person from another organization.
ライバル会社から大物を引き抜いた。
We poached a big shot from a rival company.
The English phrase 'big catch' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use context-appropriate expressions like 大漁 for fishing, 大物 for important people or things, or 大収穫 for metaphorical gains.
Means 'bargain' or 'lucky find', like a great catch at a flea market or sale. Not for people.
この古着は掘り出し物だ。
This vintage clothing is a real find (big catch).