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pescado means fish — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 20, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

pescado

noun • /[pes-KAH-doh]/

fish

Example:

El pescado está delicioso.

The fish is delicious.

🧠 What does pescado mean?

Pescado is a Spanish noun that refers to fish as food, meaning the animal that has been caught and prepared for consumption. It is distinct from 'pez,' which refers to a live fish in its natural habitat.

📚 Extra examples

  • Vamos a cenar pescado a la parrilla esta noche.
    We are going to have grilled fish for dinner tonight.
  • El mercado de pescado estaba lleno de gente.
    The fish market was crowded.
  • Prefiero el pescado blanco por su sabor suave.
    White fish is preferred for its mild flavor.
  • El bacalao es un pescado muy popular en España.
    Cod is a very popular fish in Spain.
  • El pescado fresco es esencial para una dieta saludable.
    Fresh fish is essential for a healthy diet.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'pescado' refers to fish prepared for eating, the word 'pez' is used for a live fish swimming in water. The distinction highlights how Spanish categorizes the same creature based on its state.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pescado"

Synonyms: pez (live fish), marisco (seafood, often used more broadly but can include fish), filete de pescado (fish fillet), rodaja de pescado (fish steak)
Opposites: pez (live fish), carne (meat), pollo (chicken)

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'fish' in Spanish?
The most common word for fish as food is 'pescado.' For a live fish, the word is 'pez.'
How do you pronounce 'pescado' in Spanish?
Pescado is pronounced pehs-KAH-doh. The stress is on the second syllable, 'ka.'
How do you use 'pescado' in a sentence?
Pescado is used like the English word 'fish' when referring to it as a food item. For example, 'Me gusta comer pescado.' (I like to eat fish.)
What is the English translation of 'pescado'?
The English translation of 'pescado' is 'fish,' specifically when referring to fish as food.
Does 'pescado' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'pescado' is masculine singular. The plural form is 'pescados,' meaning 'fishes' or 'types of fish.' It does not change for gender.
Is 'pescado' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'pescado' is very common in everyday Spanish, especially in regions with access to coastlines or where fish is a staple food.
Does 'pescado' have slang or double meanings?
In standard Spanish, 'pescado' does not have common slang or double meanings. Its primary and direct meaning relates to fish as food.
Is 'pescado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The fundamental meaning of 'pescado' as fish for consumption is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in specific types of fish commonly referred to by this term, or in dishes prepared with it.

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