釣る

• Reading: つる
• Romaji: tsuru
• Kanji breakdown: 釣 (chou/tsu) — fishing, angling
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To fish; to catch fish with a rod and line.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the る row. Specifically refers to fishing with a rod or line, not net fishing. The related noun 釣り (fishing) is one of Japan's most popular hobbies. Can also be used figuratively to mean luring or enticing someone.

Examples

1. 週末に川で魚を釣りました。 I caught fish in the river on the weekend.
2. 父は海で大きな魚を釣るのが好きです。 My father likes catching big fish in the ocean.
3. 今日は何も釣れなかったので残念です。 I didn't catch anything today, so it was disappointing.

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, outdoors, leisure

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 釣 combines 金 (metal) and 勺 (ladle/scoop), suggesting a metal hook used to catch fish.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal