Why are there two words for fish in Spanish? (2024)

Why are there two words for fish in Spanish?

As I explained in my first fish post back in 2016, Spanish has two words for fish: pez for a live fish and pescado for one that you see in a pescadería (fish store), supermarket, or restaurant. The verb pescar means 'to fish' and pescado is its past participle.

What are the two ways to say fish in Spanish?

There are two ways to say fish in Spanish and they depend on whether it is dead (el pescado) or alive (el pez): Compré un pez, y ya lo puse en la pecera. I bought a fish, and I already put it in the fish tank. Voy a pedir un filete de pescado.

What's the difference between Pez and pescado?

Just like we call "pig" (the animal) differently than we call "pork" (the food), in Spanish "pez" is the fish (the thing swimming in the water) and "pescado" (the food).

Is there a plural for fish in Spanish?

We don't make the distinction between "two fish" / two fishes". If there is more than one, it is "peces". el pez quiere decir un pez, los peces es plural y quiere decir unos peces o más de uno.

Why are there two words for to be in Spanish?

This became essere in Vulgar Latin, and went on to be ser in Spanish. But in Hispania, for reasons no one fully understands, speakers created a second verb for “to be,” stare, which had the sense of “to stand.” So Spanish has ser (to be, in essence) and estar (to be, in state).

Why does Spanish have two words for to be?

One is a permanent characteristic, and the other is a temporary state.

Do you say 2 fish or 2 fishes?

The plural of fish is usually fish. When referring to more than one species of fish, especially in a scientific context, you can use fishes as the plural.

What is the Spanish word for fish?

Fish translates to pez if it is in the water but to pescado if it's on the menu. El pez (singular) or los peces—remember the z changes to c when it becomes plural—are those that can swim freely, whether it is in the wild or in a fish tank.

Can I say two fish?

What is the plural of the word "fish"? You can say "one. fish" but "two fish". It doesn't change, it's irregular.

Is PEZ a gum or candy?

Pez (English: /pɛz/, German: [peːts]; stylised as PEZ) is the brand name of an Austrian candy and associated manual candy dispensers.

What is the oldest PEZ?

The creation of a particularly fine peppermint candy in 1927 by Eduard Haas III in Austria marks the birth of PEZ. Originally introduced in small tins, the refreshing candy proved extremely popular.

Why is PEZ called PEZ?

PEZ was first introduced in 1927 in Vienna, Austria as a breath mint for adults! The word PEZ was created using the first, middle and last letter in the German word for peppermint PfeffErminZ.

Is it OK to say fishes?

Fish and fishes are both acceptable plural forms of fish. Fish is the more commonly used plural, and can be used regardless of how many species are present. Fishes tends to be used as a plural when there are more than one species, especially in scientific settings.

Can you say fish and fishes?

When you are talking about more than one kind or species of fish, both 'fish' and 'fishes' are ok to use. There are many different fishes in our pond. [=There are many kinds of fish in our pond.]

Why is fish both singular and plural?

Fish comes from German too, fisch, and you can either stick to fish or use fishes, so that is a borrowed word where you can use either sort of plural.

What are the 2 words for a in Spanish?

If you want to say the word “a” in Spanish, you would say “una” (the feminine form—for almost all words ending in the letter “a”) or “un” (for masculine nouns).

What does El mean in Spanish names?

Updated on February 07, 2021. El is the singular, masculine definite article, meaning "the," in Spanish and is used to define masculine nouns, while la is the feminine version.

What is the polite form in Spanish?

Using “usted” expresses politeness. Extra tip: When using the word “usted,” you need to use the conditional. The conditional expresses a higher level of politeness, and in Spain it is used only in very formal situations.

Does Spanish have U with two dots?

It is not a separate letter, it is a dieseris, a sign used to show that the “u” is pronounced, rather than silent after a “g” written before “e” or “i”. Normally the “u” in words like “guerra” is silent but if you add “ü” like in “vergüenza”, the “u” is pronounced. It is not an “umlaut” although it looks the same.

What are 5 sentences using ser?

Here are some examples of sentences using ser in the present tense:
  • Ella es de Argentina. She is from Argentina.
  • Somos estudiantes. We are students.
  • Mañana es el concierto. Tomorrow is the concert.

Do Spanish words have double letters?

The only letters that are ever truly doubled in Spanish are l and r. A double ll makes a y sound—pollo sounds like poyo. A double rr is rolled (also called trilled), which is possibly the most difficult sound in the Spanish language for those coming from an English-speaking background.

Why do people say 2 2 equals fish?

Why do people say that 2+2=fish? The statement "2+2=fish" is not a mathematically accurate equation. It is an example of a humorous or nonsensical response often used to illustrate the concept of logical fallacies or absurdity.

Is it 3 fish or 3 fishes?

"Fish" is by far the most common plural of "fish," but "fishes" is also acceptable. I have three fish in my tank: Barney, Bob, and Brian. I have three fishes in my tank: Barney, Bob, and Brian.

How do Mexicans say fish?

pescado (pronounced: pehs-KAH-doh).

What is the word pizza in Spanish?

Pizza is translated in Spanish by...

La pizza (f) Pizza.

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