pescado
“pescado” means “fish” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
fish
Also: catch
📝 In Action
Pedimos pescado frito con limón y ensalada.
A1We ordered fried fish with lemon and salad.
¿Prefieres carne o pescado para cenar?
A1Do you prefer meat or fish for dinner?
El pescado fresco de hoy está delicioso.
A2Today's fresh catch is delicious.
fished, caught
📝 In Action
Hemos pescado muchos salmones esta mañana.
B1We have fished (caught) many salmon this morning.
El tesoro fue pescado del fondo del mar.
B2The treasure was fished (brought up) from the bottom of the sea.
La red estaba llena de peces pescados.
B2The net was full of caught fish.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pescado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pescado' as food?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin verb *piscāri*, meaning 'to fish'. This root word is the source for both the Spanish verb 'pescar' and the resulting noun 'pescado'.
First recorded: Early 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pez' and 'pescado'?
'Pez' is the living animal swimming in the water (like a goldfish or a shark). 'Pescado' is the fish that has been caught, killed, and prepared for eating (the food item).
Does 'pescado' ever change its ending?
Yes, when it is used as an adjective (a descriptive word), it changes to agree with the thing it describes: 'pescada' (feminine singular), 'pescados' (masculine plural), 'pescadas' (feminine plural). However, when it is used to form perfect tenses with 'haber' (like 'He pescado'), it always stays 'pescado'.