acuario
/aˈkwaɾjo/masculine
The English phrase 'aquarium' can be translated into Spanish as acuario or pecera.
Meaning: tank for keeping fish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| acuario | /aˈkwaɾjo/ | masculine |
| pecera | /peˈθeɾa/ /peˈseɾa/ |
feminine |
The term is used to refer to a tank for keeping fish.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pecera is a compound of pez (fish) and the suffix -era, which denotes a container or tool, literally meaning 'fish container'.
Which one should you use?
acuario is typically used to refer to a large-scale facility, such as a public aquarium or a sophisticated, large-scale setup. In contrast, pecera is the most common word for a standard glass fish tank kept in a home.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun acuario becomes plural as los acuarios. The feminine noun pecera becomes plural as las peceras.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈkwaɾjo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, pecera can be used metaphorically to describe a place where someone feels they are being watched by everyone.
- The word pez inside pecera changes to pescado once the fish has been caught and prepared for eating.
- The term acuario is also the Spanish word for the zodiac sign 'Aquarius'.
Examples in context
- Mi pasatiempo es mi acuario.My hobby is my aquarium.This sentence is useful for discussing a hobby using acuario.Tatoeba #2770164 by marcelostockle, translation #9413626 by Nylez
- Pensé que Tom llevaría María al acuario.I thought Tom would take Mary to the aquarium.This sentence is useful for mentioning a trip to the aquarium using acuario.Tatoeba #1939968 by marcelostockle, translation #1938782 by CK
- ¿De verdad se puede entrenar un pez en un acuario?Can one really train a fish in an aquarium?This sentence is useful for asking about training a fish in an acuario.Tatoeba #2029629 by wallebot, translation #9300042 by Nylez
- Me encantaría visitar el acuario en MadridI would love to visit the aquarium in Madrid.
- El oceanario en Barcelona es impresionanteThe oceanarium in Barcelona is impressive.
- Vamos al acuario este fin de semana, ¿te apuntas?Let's go to the aquarium this weekend, do you want to come along?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at Mateo's new pet setup in his apartment.
- MateoElena, mira mi nuevo acuario.Elena, look at my new aquarium.
- Elena¡Es precioso! ¿Qué peces tiene?It's beautiful! What fish does it have?
- MateoTiene peces tropicales de colores.It has colorful tropical fish.
- ElenaMe encanta cómo se ve en tu casa.I love how it looks in your house.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aquarium” translations and entries acuario, pecera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
