pescar
“pescar” means “to fish” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to fish
Also: to catch, to angle
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo siempre va a pescar los domingos por la mañana.
A1My grandfather always goes fishing on Sunday mornings.
Logramos pescar un salmón enorme en el río.
A2We managed to catch a huge salmon in the river.
¿Sabes cómo pescar con mosca?
B1Do you know how to fish with a fly (fly-fishing)?
to catch
Also: to pick up
📝 In Action
Si sales sin chaqueta, vas a pescar un resfriado.
A2If you go out without a jacket, you are going to catch a cold.
Parece que pesqué la gripe en el viaje.
B1It seems I picked up the flu on the trip.
to catch on, to spot
Also: to get (it)
📝 In Action
El profesor explicó la fórmula tres veces, pero yo no pesqué nada.
B1The teacher explained the formula three times, but I didn't catch anything (didn't understand anything).
Ella intentó mentir, pero él la pescó al instante.
B2She tried to lie, but he caught her instantly (he spotted the lie).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pescar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pescar' in its figurative sense of understanding?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *piscari*, which simply meant 'to fish.' It is directly related to the Latin word for fish, *piscis*.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pescado' and 'pez'?
'Pez' is a live fish swimming in the water. 'Pescado' is the fish that has already been caught and is typically prepared for eating (the food). Think of 'pescado' as the past participle of 'pescar' (caught).
Is 'pescar' used for catching things other than fish or illnesses?
Yes, informally, 'pescar' can mean to 'catch' or 'spot' someone doing something wrong (like catching a thief), or to 'catch' or 'get' a subtle idea or a joke.