How to Say "fish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “fish” is “pez” — use 'pez' when referring to a single live animal that swims in water..
pez
/pes/ (or /peth/ in Spain)/pes/
Examples
Vimos un pez muy grande nadando cerca de la orilla.
We saw a very big fish swimming near the shore.
El pez dorado es una mascota popular en acuarios.
The goldfish is a popular pet in aquariums.
¿Cuántos peces crees que hay en este lago?
How many fish do you think there are in this lake?
The 'Pez' Plural Rule
When you make 'pez' plural, you change the final letter 'z' to 'c' before adding '-es'. So, one 'pez' becomes many 'peces'.
Confusing Pez and Pescado
Mistake: “Using 'pez' when talking about food ('Quiero comer pez').”
Correction: Use 'pescado' (fish as food). 'Pez' is the living animal. 'Quiero comer pescado'.
peces
PEH-sehs/ˈpeθes/
Examples
Hay muchos peces de colores en el acuario.
There are many colorful fish in the aquarium.
Vimos peces nadando cerca de la orilla.
We saw fish swimming near the shore.
Los peces pequeños se esconden de los grandes.
Small fish hide from big ones.
The Z to C Rule
When a Spanish word ends in 'z' (like 'pez'), you must change the 'z' to a 'c' before adding '-es' to make it plural. This is only to keep the sound consistent!
Masculine Plural
Since the singular 'pez' is masculine, 'peces' remains masculine. Use masculine articles and adjectives: 'los peces grandes' (the big fish).
Incorrect Pluralization
Mistake: “Muchos pezes”
Correction: Muchos peces. Remember to switch the 'z' to 'c' when forming the plural.
pescado
/pes-KAH-doh//pesˈkaðo/
Examples
Pedimos pescado frito con limón y ensalada.
We ordered fried fish with lemon and salad.
¿Prefieres carne o pescado para cenar?
Do you prefer meat or fish for dinner?
El pescado fresco de hoy está delicioso.
Today's fresh catch is delicious.
Pescado vs. Pez
Use 'pez' when the animal is alive and swimming in the water. Use 'pescado' when the animal has been caught and is ready to be eaten (fish as food).
Confusing the two words
Mistake: “Quiero comer un pez.”
Correction: Quiero comer pescado. (Unless you want to eat a live fish!)
Live Animal vs. Food
Related Translations
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