1Sea bream, a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae — especially the red sea bream (madai, Pagrus major). A beautiful reddish fish central to Japanese cuisine (sashimi, salt-grilled tai, tai-meshi), and an auspicious food at celebrations, owing to the wordplay with めでたい ('auspicious'). Traditionally served at weddings, New Year's, and 'first meal' ceremonies for babies.
お正月に一家で鯛の塩焼きを食べた。
At New Year's, our family ate salt-grilled sea bream together.
結婚披露宴の祝い膳には、大きな鯛が一尾置かれていた。
A whole large sea bream was served on the celebratory tray at the wedding reception.
この店の鯛の刺身は身が締まっていて美味しい。
The sea bream sashimi at this restaurant is firm and delicious.
鯛めしは愛媛県の郷土料理として有名だ。
Tai-meshi (sea bream rice) is famous as a local specialty of Ehime Prefecture.
「腐っても鯛」とは、質の良いものは傷んでも価値があるという意味のことわざだ。
The proverb 'a sea bream is still a sea bream even when it goes bad' means that something of high quality retains its value even when damaged.