katkarapu
/ˈkɑtkɑˌrɑpu/
The English word 'shrimp' is translated into Finnish as katkarapu.
katkarapu refers to the flesh of the crustacean.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on how it is used in a sentence. When using verbs of emotion like 'rakastaa' (to love) to refer to the food item in a general sense, use the partitive singular form katkarapua. If you are expressing a liking for shrimp in general, such as 'My cat loves shrimp', use the partitive plural form katkarapuja. The genitive form, meaning 'shrimp's', is katkaravun.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA pronunciation is /ˈkɑtkɑˌrɑpu/.
Did you know?
- The Finnish word for 'shrimp' is literally a 'cut crab'. This describes the way the shell is snapped or broken to get to the meat.
- In Finnish, the word rapu covers both 'crab' and 'crayfish'. This means a Finnish speaker might refer to a large river crayfish using the same word an English speaker uses for a sea crab.
- Finnish culinary tradition often pairs katkarapu with lemon and dill in a specific style of festive appetizer salad, which is a staple at celebrations.
Examples in context
- Rakastan katkarapua.I love shrimp.Tatoeba #13295697 by Thanuir, translation #10989233 by CK
- Kissani rakastaa katkarapuja.My cat loves shrimp.Tatoeba #4155295 by Orava, translation #3820840 by CK
- Saisinko katkarapua?Can I have some shrimp?
- Pidän todella paljon katkaravuista!I really like shrimp!
- Onko teillä tuoreita katkarapuja?Do you have fresh shrimp?
- Annetaan kaikkien maistaa näitä herkullisia katkarapuja!Let everyone taste these delicious shrimps!
- Tässä salaatissa on tuoretta katkarapua.There is fresh shrimp in this salad.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matti are deciding what to order for lunch.
- SofiaHaluaisitko syödä pastaa vai katkarapua?Would you like to eat pasta or shrimp?
- MattiSyön mieluummin katkarapua tänään.I would rather eat shrimp today.
- SofiaHyvä valinta, se on todella hyvää.Good choice, it is really delicious.
- MattiKiitos, Sofia, olen todella nälkäinen.Thanks, Sofia, I am really hungry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry katkarapu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries katkarapu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
