Fish
Use this for a live, swimming fish. 'Pescado' is fish that has been caught and is for eating.
For dinner, I want grilled fish.
There is a colorful fish in the aquarium.
Is the fish fresh?
I like to see the fish in the river.
I don't eat meat, only fish.
The distinction between 'pez' (live fish) and 'pescado' (fish as food) is standard across the entire Spanish-speaking world. This is the most important rule to learn.
The usage is standard. You will often see specific fish on menus, like 'huachinango' (red snapper) or dishes like 'pescado a la veracruzana'.
Standard usage applies. Common dishes include 'mojarra frita' (fried tilapia) or 'bocachico', which are types of 'pescado'.
While Argentina is more famous for its beef, 'pescado' is still common. 'Merluza' (hake) is the most frequently consumed 'pescado'.
The pez/pescado distinction is the same. Spain has a very strong seafood culture, and you'll find 'pescado' on almost every menu. 'Merluza', 'atún' (tuna), and 'bacalao' (cod) are very popular.
Using 'pez' for food. For example: 'Quiero comer pez'. — Always use 'pescado' when talking about fish as food: 'Quiero comer pescado'. Think of 'pescado' as a 'fished' fish, from the verb 'pescar' (to fish).
Using 'pescado' for a live animal. For example: 'Vi un pescado en el mar'. — Use 'pez' for a living fish in water: 'Vi un pez en el mar'. Once it's out of the water and on its way to a plate, it becomes 'pescado'.
Incorrect pluralization of 'pez'. For example: 'Hay muchos pezes'. — The plural of 'pez' is irregular. The 'z' changes to a 'c'. The correct form is 'peces': 'Hay muchos peces'.
Using the wrong gender. For example: 'la pescada'. — Both 'pez' and 'pescado' are masculine nouns. Always use 'el' or 'un': 'el pescado', 'un pez'.
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