Translation guide
The English word 'fin' refers to the thin, flat body part of fish and some other aquatic animals used for swimming and balance. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese.
The general term for the fin of a fish or aquatic animal.
The most common and general word for 'fin' in Japanese. Used for fish, whales, and other aquatic animals.
魚のひれは泳ぐのに役立つ。
A fish's fins help it swim.
サメの背びれが見えた。
I saw a shark's dorsal fin.
The kanji form of 'ひれ'. Used in formal or written contexts, but the kana form is more common in everyday use.
この魚の鰭は美しい。
This fish's fins are beautiful.
Terms for specific types of fins, such as dorsal, pectoral, or tail fins.
Dorsal fin, the fin on the back of a fish.
イルカの背びれが水面に出ている。
The dolphin's dorsal fin is sticking out of the water.
Pectoral fin, the pair of fins on the sides of a fish.
Tail fin or caudal fin.
Pelvic fin or ventral fin, located on the belly.
Anal fin, located near the tail on the underside. More technical.
Referring to shark fin as an ingredient, especially in soup.
Specifically shark fin, often used in the context of Chinese cuisine like shark fin soup.
ふかひれのスープは高級料理だ。
Shark fin soup is a luxury dish.
Kanji form of 'ふかひれ'. Used in menus or formal writing.
The rubber or plastic flippers worn on feet for swimming or diving.
Loanword from English, commonly used for swim fins or diving fins.
ダイビングにはフィンが必要だ。
You need fins for diving.
彼はフィンを履いて泳いだ。
He swam wearing fins.
Literally 'foot fin', a native Japanese term for swim fins, though less common than フィン.
足ひれを使うと速く泳げる。
You can swim faster using fins.
The stabilizing fin on an aircraft, rocket, or missile.
Also used for mechanical fins, such as on rockets or airplanes.
ロケットのフィンが安定性を保つ。
The rocket's fins maintain stability.
Stabilizer or fin, more technical term used in engineering contexts.
The English word 'fin' can also mean 'end' in some contexts (from French/Italian), but that is not covered here. For 'end', use 終わり (おわり) or 最後 (さいご).
Fish use their pectoral fins to change direction.
The goldfish's tail fin is fluttering.
The pelvic fins help stabilize the fish.
Identify the species by the shape of the anal fin.
Shark fin is prized in Chinese cuisine.
The missile's fins were damaged.