In Japanese, “unagi sentences” or “eel sentences” are sentences that literally mean “x is y,” but that we translate very differently in context. Why are they called “eel” sentences? Because of the classic example below:
Why did customer B say that they’re an eel? Well, in context they didn’t! What they said means something more like “I’ll have the eel.”
“Unagi” sentences can provide us with some great illustration of the nuances of how we use some of our Japanese particles, like は transcribed wa, が transcribed ga and も transcribed mo in conversations. Though using sentences like this may not be essential to getting by, understanding how they’re used can help you better understand these particles. Let’s have a closer look!
Unagi sentences with は (wa): Why do they work?
Unagi sentences like the one in the introduction work because they include the particle は transcribed wa after the subject. As you may recall, the Japanese particle は transcribed wa typically follows a noun that you could translate into English as following an expression like “as for [noun]...” or “speaking of [noun]...”.
Given that context, let’s look again at the conversation from the introduction.
So Customer B is not saying that they’re an eel, they’re just describing their desired order! Though 僕はうなぎだ could be translated as “I am an eel” in some contexts, in this context it has a different contextual meaning!
Can you form unagi sentences with が (ga) or も (mo)?
Depending on the context, the は transcribed wa of an unagi sentence can be replaced by the particles が transcribed ga or も transcribed mo.
Let’s get back to the sushi shop. Let’s imagine that while customers A and B are eating sushi, a group of 10 of their co-workers entered this sushi shop. So, customers A and B decide to join them, moving to a bigger table, where 12 customers can eat together. After they order drinks at this big table, a waiter brings the drinks. On his tray, there are many kinds of drinks. The waiter doesn’t remember who ordered what. He asks …
Notice that all three customers used unagi sentences! Depending on context, each one could have been translated as “I am a [drink],” but in context their meaning is different!
The waiter can understand their intended meaning because the restaurant context provides mutual knowledge — they all know that they’re talking about who has what order, so they can use this sort of abbreviated speech.
To sum up
Here’s what to remember about “unagi” sentences in Japanese:
An “unagi” sentence is a sentence that literally means “x is y” but, in the context of a conversation, is translated a little differently.
You’re likely to hear these when ordering or receiving food in a group setting, but you might hear them in other situations as well. To understand an unagi sentence, everyone will have to be on the same page about what is going on!
Unagi sentences are a great way to practice the differences between the particles は transcribed wa, が transcribed ga and も transcribed mo.
Why don’t you check out these exercises on unagi sentences to practice a bit more?
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