Translation guide
In Japanese, roe is expressed through specific words depending on the type of fish and whether the eggs are inside the fish or have been removed. The most common terms are ikura (salmon roe), tarako (cod roe), and kazunoko (herring roe).
The learner wants to refer to the large, red-orange eggs of salmon, typically served as sushi or over rice.
The most common word for salmon roe. It refers specifically to the individual eggs that have been separated from the skein and are often cured in soy sauce. Used in sushi and donburi.
イクラの軍艦巻きをください。
I'll have the salmon roe battleship roll, please.
イクラ丼が大好きです。
I love salmon roe rice bowls.
Salmon roe still in the ovarian membrane (skein). It has a different texture and is often marinated whole. Less common than ikura but important to distinguish.
筋子はイクラよりも塩味が強いです。
Sujiko is saltier than ikura.
The learner wants to refer to the roe of cod, typically salted and used in onigiri or as a side dish.
Salted cod roe. It is a common, affordable ingredient in Japanese cuisine, often used as a filling for onigiri or mixed with pasta.
たらこのおにぎりを一つください。
One cod roe rice ball, please.
たらこスパゲッティが食べたい。
I want to eat cod roe spaghetti.
Spicy marinated cod roe, originally from Korean cuisine but very popular in Japan. It is seasoned with chili pepper and other spices.
The learner wants to refer to the roe of herring, a traditional New Year's food.
Dried herring roe, rehydrated and seasoned. It is a staple of osechi ryori (New Year's cuisine) and symbolizes fertility and many children.
おせち料理に数の子が入っています。
There is herring roe in the New Year's dishes.
The learner wants to refer to roe in general or from other fish like flying fish or sea urchin.
A general term for fish eggs. It is more technical and used in contexts like biology or cooking, but not as common in everyday conversation as the specific terms.
魚卵は栄養が豊富です。
Fish roe is rich in nutrients.
Flying fish roe, often used as a crunchy topping on sushi rolls. It is smaller than ikura and usually orange or black.
カリフォルニアロールにとびこがのっています。
There is flying fish roe on the California roll.
Sea urchin roe, a delicacy. Technically the gonads, but commonly referred to as roe. It has a creamy texture and strong flavor.
うには高級な寿司ネタです。
Sea urchin is a high-class sushi topping.
The English word 'roe' covers many types of fish eggs, but Japanese uses distinct words for each. Using a general term like 魚卵 (gyoran) in a restaurant may cause confusion; it's better to use the specific name.
イクラをください。
Please give me salmon roe.
Ikura refers to individual salmon eggs removed from the skein, while sujiko is the whole skein. Ikura is more common in sushi, while sujiko is often eaten as a side dish or with rice.
イクラは粒がばらばらですが、筋子は膜に包まれています。
Ikura has loose eggs, but sujiko is wrapped in a membrane.
明太子は辛くて美味しいです。
Mentaiko is spicy and delicious.