キャビア
kyabia[kʲa̠bʲia̠]
The English word "caviar" is translated into Japanese as キャビア (kyabia). Wiktionary also lists イクラ (ikura).
Meaning: roe of the sturgeon or other large fish (black caviar) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| キャビア | kyabia | [kʲa̠bʲia̠] (narrow) |
| イクラ | ikura | [ikɯ̟ɾa̠] (narrow) |
The term refers to the roe of the sturgeon or other large fish, specifically black caviar.
Which one should you use?
While キャビア (kyabia) refers to sturgeon caviar, the word イクラ (ikura) is used specifically for salmon roe.
How do you pronounce it?
kyabia
Did you know?
- The term イクラ may have entered the Japanese vocabulary via Russian soldiers during the Russo-Japanese War between 1904 and 1905.
- In Japan, イクラ specifically refers to salmon roe, but in Russian, the root word икра́ covers all types of caviar, including sturgeon.
Examples in context
- 私はキャビアを食べた。I ate caviar.This sentence is useful for showing how to use キャビア when describing something you ate.Tatoeba #5331 by bunbuku, translation #2413 by CK
- ステーキとキャビアが私の好物だ。Steak and caviar are my favorite dishes.This sentence shows how to use キャビア when discussing your favorite foods.Tatoeba #214630 by bunbuku, translation #51923 by orcrist
- このキャビアはとても高級ですね。Kono kyabia wa totemo kōkyū desu ne.This caviar is very high-end, isn't it?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is enjoying a high-end appetizer at a restaurant.
- 結衣 Yuiこのキャビア、すごく美味しいよ。Kono kyabia, sugoku oishii yo.This caviar is really delicious.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だね、贅沢な味だ。Hontō da ne, zeitaku na aji da.You're right, it tastes luxurious.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんももっと食べて。Hiroto-san mo motto tabete.Hiroto, you should eat more too.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、結衣。いただきます。Arigatō, Yui. Itadakimasu.Thanks, Yui. I'll enjoy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “caviar” translations and entries キャビア, イクラ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries イクラ, キャビア, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
