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[For Seniors] Looks readable but you can't read it! Fish Kanji Quiz
There are many kanji characters that represent fish, and a lot of them are pretty difficult, aren’t they?
Do you know which kanji are used for the fish you usually eat, like sushi, sashimi, or grilled fish?
Unless you’re a real fish enthusiast, there are probably some you don’t know.
In this article, we present a kanji quiz about fish.
We’ve gathered kanji for a variety of fish, starting with familiar ones you often see at the dining table.
Of course, the goal is to get the answers right, but what’s really important in a quiz is the thinking process!
It’s perfect for older adults.
It also works as brain training, so have fun and give it a try!
[For Seniors] Looks Readable but You Can’t Read It! Fish Kanji Quiz (1–10)
How do you read/pronounce “河豚”?
- Porcupinefish
- pufferfish
- crucian carp
See the answer
pufferfish
In China, where kanji originated, they lived in freshwater rivers, so the character for “river” (河) was used. It’s also said that the character for “pig” (豚) was applied because their bellies puff up and their calls sound like “boo-boo.”
How do you read the character '鰤'?
- yellowtail
- Skipjack tuna
- Suzuki
See the answer
yellowtail
It is said that this character was chosen because December, known as Shiwasu in the old lunar calendar, is when it comes into season, and because it signifies having grown to reach the position of a teacher, that is, a “shi.”
How do you read the character “𩸽”?
- Skipjack tuna
- flatfish
- Atka mackerel
See the answer
Atka mackerel
It is said that the character for “flower” was used because when they are juveniles, their body color is very beautiful, and when they form schools, they look like flowers.
How do you read/pronounce “柳葉魚”?
- shishamo (smelt; a small saltwater fish commonly grilled in Japan)
- piranha
- bitterling
See the answer
shishamo (smelt; a small saltwater fish commonly grilled in Japan)
Willow leaves are called Susuhamu or Shushuhamo in the Ainu language, which then became Susamo or Sushamo and is said to have eventually turned into “shishamo.”
How do you read the word “翻車魚”?
- ocean sunfish
- swordfish
- kuruma prawn
See the answer
ocean sunfish
It’s said that the kanji characters for “overturned car” (翻車) are used because of the sunfish’s habit of sometimes lying on its side to sunbathe.
How do you read the character “鱈”?
- yellowtail
- cod
- mullet
See the answer
cod
It’s said that the character for “snow” was used because cod come into season in winter and their flesh is as white as light snow.
How do you read “鰈”?
- ray
- flounder
- flatfish
See the answer
flatfish
It is said that a character without the grass radical from the kanji for “leaf” was used for flounder because its body is thin and flat like a leaf.