Salmon (any species in the Salmonidae family), commonly eaten fish; general term for salmon.
朝ごはんは焼き鮭とご飯に味噌汁だった。
For breakfast I had grilled salmon, rice, and miso soup.
川を遡上する鮭の姿は夏の風物詩だ。
The sight of salmon running upstream is a seasonal feature of summer.
スーパーで切り身の鮭を買った。
I bought a salmon fillet at the supermarket.
弁当にシャケを入れるのは定番だ。
Putting salmon in a bento is a classic choice.
Specifically can refer to chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) or related species in contexts where species are distinguished.
北海道沿岸では秋に産卵のためケタの鮭が入ってくる。
Along Hokkaido's coast, chum salmon (keta) come in during autumn to spawn.
専門の市場では種ごとに鮭を区別して売っている。
At specialized markets, salmon are sold distinguished by species.