How to say "catfish" in Japanese

• なまず
  nounThe native word for catfish, used especially for the Amur catfish (Silurus asotus) of Japanese rivers and ponds. It is usually written in kana alone, and is a less common way to say 'catfish'.
• キャットフィッシュ
  nounA katakana borrowing of the English word, covering catfish generally rather than any particular species. It is a less common choice, fitting when the fish is referred to by its English name.

「なまず」 is the native word for catfish, especially the Amur catfish of Japan; 「キャットフィッシュ」 is the katakana borrowing of the English name, used when the English term itself is wanted. Both are less common choices.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• なまずcatfish (esp. the Amur catfish, Silurus asotus)
• キャットフィッシュcatfish