Fish

"Yukigesho."

"Karakurenai."

The Japanese language is rich in unique expressions that reflect nature and culture.

Magical Japanese.

Today's theme is "sakana," or "fish."

Surrounded by the sea, Japan is home to rich fishing grounds.

Fish has long had a central role in Japan's culinary culture.

Even today, Japanese ports feature all kinds of fish, and people gather to purchase or enjoy the day's catch.

Hello, I'm Peter MacMillan.

The Japanese have various ways of preparing fish, depending on the time of year when a particular fish is in season.

"Sushi" is an especially well-known Japanese cuisine that uses fish, and sushi restaurants can now be found in almost every corner of the world.

Today, we are going to look at some Japanese phrases related to fish.

"saba o yomu."

A direct translation of this would be "to count mackerel."

Mackerel has long been an important part of the Japanese diet.

Since mackerel spoils easily, Japanese fishermen used to rush to count them so they could be shipped quickly.

This led to mistakes - and to the modern-day meaning of fudging the numbers when counting, to suit one's own interests.

The expression is often used when talking about one's age.

"How old are you?"

"I'm 28."

"No, you're 30! Why 'saba o yomu,' fudge the numbers?"

"saba o yomu."

"hipparidako."

"Dako" is derived from "tako," meaning octopus.

This expression captures an image of an octopus being pulled in all directions.

It is used figuratively in daily conversation to describe someone who is sought after.

Since he's so capable,
he's "hipparidako" -in high demand- from various departments.

"hipparidako."

"unaginobori."

"Unagi" is freshwater eel.

"Nobori" means going up.

This expression came from the vigorous way eels swim up a river.

In daily conversation, it neatly conveys how something is racing upward- for example:

Helped by the booming economy,
our company's sales are "unaginobori," racing higher.

"unaginobori."

Some of you may have wondered, "are octopus and eel fish?"

I also had the same thought, however, in China and other countries that use Chinese characters,

they are considered as a member of the fish family.

Let's have a look at the Chinese characters for "octopus" and "eel."

What do both characters have in common?

The radical on the left side of each character means "fish."

This character originated as a pictograph.

Different parts can be added to make the characters for different kinds of fish.

What do you think?

It looks really daunting at first, but these characters represent different kinds of fish.

They are often written on menus and cups at sushi restaurants, so they are widely known in Japan.

Let's have a look at the types of fish these characters represent in Japan today.

"saba."

"Sakana," or 'fish' is combined with "ao," or 'blue' to mean "saba," or 'mackerel.' "sawara."

Spanish mackerel, known as a springtime delicacy in some parts of Japan, is written by pairing "sakana" and "haru" for 'spring.'

Together, they're pronounced "sawara."

"iwashi."

"Iwashi," or 'sardine,' is "sakana" combined with "yowai" or 'weak.' "katsuo."

"Sakana" combined with "katai," or 'hard,' is "katsuo," or 'bonito.' In the past, when the bonito season arrived, everyone would rush out to buy them.

But why? There is a famous haiku poem about this.

Green leaves fill the eyes,
from the mountain a little cuckoo sings
and the season's first bonito!

This haiku is about things people in Edo loved most about spring and summer.

Vivid "aoba," or 'green leaves;' the "hototogisu," or 'little cuckoo with its beautiful song;'

and "hatsugatsuo," for the 'first katsuo eaten that year.' The Japanese have always valued being ahead of the season,

and people in Edo placed a big importance on this.

It's expensive to buy things ahead of the season since they are still hard to come by.

Because of this, the first bonito catch of the year was always extremely expensive and unaffordable for most people.

If they waited a little longer the prices would be more reasonable, and the flavor would be better, but waiting was considered uncouth.

And we mustn't forget about those who catch all this delicious fish!

"tairyobata."

"Tairyo" means a 'big catch,' and, "bata" is a variation of "hata," or 'flag.' This is a flag that a fishing boat sometimes flies when it returns to port.

It signals to people waiting back on shore that the boat had a successful catch.

"tairyobata."

Did you know there is a fish that is closely connected with celebrations?

That is the "tai" sea bream, also known as "the king of fish."

The sound of the Japanese word for sea bream, "tai," is also found in the expression "medetai," which means 'celebratory.'

So the sea bream is often served at joyous events such as weddings, births, and even job promotions.

The beautiful crimson color of sea bream also heightens the sense of celebration.

Because of this, they are essential items on banquet platters and are also used as auspicious gifts!

Here's another expression with the word "tai:" "ebi de tai o tsuru."

"Ebi" is 'shrimp,' and "tsuru" is 'to catch.' The phrase literally means to use shrimp to catch a "tai," or sea bream.

In other words, it means to reap big gains with little cost, or to give a modest gift and receive a lot in return.

In English, there are similar expressions such as, "Throw a sprat to catch a whale."

"ebi de tai o tsuru."

"kusatte mo tai."

"Kusatte mo" means "even if it goes bad."

The phrase describes how something admirable or of high value remains to be so even when it has passed its peak or fallen on difficult times.

For example: The company lost its lead in the domestic market,
but it's "kusatte mo tai," still well-regarded. Its products are excellent.

"kusatte mo tai."

Well, doesn't all this talk about food make you feel hungry?

How about a little "sushi" for dinner?

See you next time— bye!