How to Say "tuna" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “tuna” is “atún” — use 'atún' when referring to tuna in a general sense, whether it's the live fish or, more commonly, the canned food product used in dishes like salads or sandwiches..
English → Spanish
atún
nounA1general
Use 'atún' when referring to tuna in a general sense, whether it's the live fish or, more commonly, the canned food product used in dishes like salads or sandwiches.
Examples
Prefiero el atún en lata para la ensalada.
I prefer canned tuna for the salad.
bonito
/boh-NEE-toh//boˈnito/
nounB1general
Use 'bonito' when specifically referring to a type of tuna often found in northern Spain, similar to albacore, which is popular as a fresh fish dish.
Examples
En el norte de España, el bonito es un pescado muy popular.
In the north of Spain, bonito is a very popular fish.
Voy a comprar una lata de bonito en aceite de oliva.
I'm going to buy a can of bonito in olive oil.
¿Has probado el marmitako? Es un guiso con bonito.
Have you tried marmitako? It's a stew made with bonito.
General vs. Specific Tuna
Learners often use 'bonito' when they simply mean canned tuna, which is incorrect. Remember that 'atún' is the default and most common word for tuna, especially when it's canned or in a general context. 'Bonito' is reserved for a specific type of fish.
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.