1A flat tool with a broad blade used for cooking or craft work (e.g., a spatula for frying, a pottery or fabric tracing spatula). Often written in kana.
卵焼きを作るときは、へらでやさしく返すと崩れにくい。
When making a rolled omelet, gently flipping it with a spatula helps prevent it from falling apart.
陶芸ではへらを使って余分な土をそぎ落とす。
In pottery, you use a spatula-like tool to scrape away excess clay.
洋裁で生地の縫い代を押さえるためにへらを使うことがある。
In sewing, a small spatula is sometimes used to press down seam allowances.
2A cultured variety of crucian carp (often called 'herabuna'); a freshwater fish popular with anglers. Sometimes written in katakana.
休日は近所の池でへらを釣って過ごした。
I spent the holiday fishing for herabuna at the local pond.
この池ではゲンゴロウブナの改良種であるへらがよく釣れる。
At this pond you can often catch herabuna, an improved variety of gengoroubuna.