Japanese word

とろ

Pronunciation

Romajitoro

Meaning

  • nounfatty tuna

Example

すし屋でとろを注文します。su shi ya de to ro o chū mon shi ma su

I order fatty tuna at a sushi restaurant.

Illustration for とろ (fatty tuna)

More examples

脂の甘みを楽しめるのが、とろの魅力です。abura no ama mi o tano shi me ru no ga to ro no mi ryoku de su

The appeal of fatty tuna is its rich, sweet flavor.

Core concept

Describes tuna flesh with a high fat content, especially the soft belly portion prized for its rich flavor and melting texture.

Common phrases

  • とろを注文するto ro o chū mon su ru

    order fatty tuna

  • とろを味わうto ro o aji wa u

    savor fatty tuna

Definition in Japanese

脂肪が多く、柔らかくて口の中でとろけるようなマグロの部分。shi bō ga ō ku yawa ra ka ku te kuchi no naka de to ro ke ru yō na ma gu ro no bu bun

Word origin

The Japanese food term とろ (toro, "fatty tuna") is associated with とろける (torokeru, "melt"), a reference to the flesh's soft texture; the precise word history is not certain.

Usage tips

  • For English-speaking diners, toro can be useful to recognize as a menu term for a specific part of tuna, not the name of a separate fish.

Word lists with this word