フグ
fugu
The English phrase "puffer fish" is translated into Japanese as フグ (fugu).
The term refers to a type of fish known for its ability to inflate its body and for containing a potent toxin.
How do you pronounce it?
fugu
Did you know?
- The Kanji for フグ is 河豚, which literally translates to 'river pig'.
- Some Japanese restaurants serve フグ in a way that leaves a tiny amount of toxin, creating a slight tingling sensation on the lips and tongue.
- The word フグ is used in the Japanese idiom フグを吹かす, which means to pout or puff out one's cheeks in annoyance.
Examples in context
- ふぐは、水中で可愛らしい姿を見せます。Puffer fish display adorable figures underwater.
- 私はとらふぐの刺身が大好きです。I love tiger puffer sashimi.
- フグは毒があります。Fugu wa doku ga arimasu.Puffer fish have poison.
- 水族館で大きなフグを見た。Suizokukan de ookina fugu o mita.I saw a big puffer fish at the aquarium.
- フグの刺身はとても美味しいです。Fugu no sashimi wa totemo oishii desu.Puffer fish sashimi is very delicious.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a menu at a Japanese restaurant.
- 美咲 Misakiこのフグ料理、高いね。Kono fugu ryouri, takai ne.This puffer fish dish is expensive, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaでも、すごく美味しそうだよ。Demo, sugoku oishisou da yo.But it looks delicious.
- 美咲 Misaki毒は大丈夫かな？Doku wa daijoubu kana?I wonder if the poison is safe?
- 陽太 Yotaこの店は調理が上手だよ。Kono mise wa chouri ga jouzu da yo.This restaurant is good at preparing it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry フグ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
