ムール貝
mūrugai
The English phrase 'mussels' is translated into Japanese as ムール貝 (mūrugai).
ムール貝 refers to edible saltwater bivalve mollusks that typically have dark blue or black shells.
How do you pronounce it?
mūrugai
Did you know?
- The word ムール貝 is a hybrid term combining the French word moule and the Japanese word 貝 for shellfish.
- While many shellfish in Japan have ancient names, using a French-inspired name like ムール貝 often signals a more Western-style or gourmet dining experience.
- Because ムール貝 uses katakana, it signals to the reader that the food is viewed as a foreign or 'western' ingredient rather than a traditional Japanese one.
Examples in context
- ムール貝は好き？Do you like mussels?This sentence is useful for asking if someone likes ムール貝.Tatoeba #2467166 by b1013226_K, translation #2466802 by Hybrid
- このレストランのミュール貝は新鮮でおいしいです。The mussels at this restaurant are fresh and delicious.
- 関西地方の淡路貝は特に有名ですね。Mussels from the Kansai region, called Awajigai, are particularly famous, aren't they?
- あの居酒屋のムール貝は絶品だよ。The mussels at that izakaya are superb.
- ムール貝のパスタを食べました。Mūrugai no pasuta o tabemashita.I ate mussel pasta.
- このムール貝はとても新鮮です。Kono muerugai wa totemo shinsen desu.These mussels are very fresh.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at a menu in a French restaurant.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、何にする？Himari, nani ni suru?Himari, what are you going to have?
- 陽葵 Himari私はムール貝を食べてみたいな。Watashi wa mūru gai o tabete mitai na.I want to try the mussels.
- 蓮 Renいい考えだね。僕もそれにしよう。Ii kangae da ne. Boku mo sore ni shiyō.That's a good idea. I'll have those too.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、ムール貝を二皿頼もう！Jā, mūru gai o ni sara tanomō!Then, let's order two plates of mussels!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ムール貝, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
