[For Seniors] Looks readable but you can't read it! Fish Kanji Quiz

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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 “鰊”?

mass
mahi-mahi
herring

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herring

Because herring are small fish, the kanji 柬, which conveys the meaning of youth, is said to have been applied to them. It is also sometimes written as 鯡.

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How do you read the character “鱸”?

Suzuki
Thailand
sardine

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Suzuki

It is said that the character “盧,” which carries the meaning of black, was used for Suzuki because its scales are black.

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How do you read the character “鰮”?

swordfish
sardine
Suzuki

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sardine

Sardines are also written as 鰯 and 鰛.

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[For Seniors] Looks Readable but You Can’t Read It! Fish Kanji Quiz (11–20)

How do you read the character “鮍”?

flounder
tuna
thread-sail filefish

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thread-sail filefish

It’s said that the filefish got this name and kanji because its tough skin has to be peeled off before it can be used in cooking.

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How do you read “鮒”?

bitterling
koi (carp)
crucian carp

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crucian carp

It is said that the character 付, meaning “small,” was used to match its diminutive appearance.

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How do you read “鯵”?

salmon
mackerel
horse mackerel

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horse mackerel

People say the reason it uses the kanji for “san” (参) is either because it’s so delicious you’re ‘overwhelmed’ (maitte shimau), or because March—written as “sangatsu” (参月)—is when it’s in season.

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How do you read “鯰”?

catfish
crucian carp
koi (carp)

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catfish

It is said that because catfish have no scales and are sticky and slimy, the character 念—which can carry the meaning of “to stick” or “to persist”—was applied to them.

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