pez gordo
/ˌpeθ ˈɡoɾdo/
The English phrase 'big fish' is translated into Spanish as pez gordo.
The phrase pez gordo can be used both literally to describe a large fish and metaphorically to describe an important, influential or wealthy person, similar to the English idiom.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'fat fish', as gordo means fat.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, pez gordo is used to refer to a big fish both literally and figuratively.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must change. For example, the plural of pez gordo is peces gordos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpeθ ˈɡoɾdo/
Did you know?
- Be careful when choosing between pez and pescado to describe a fish. While pez refers to the living animal in water, pescado is used once the fish has been caught or is being prepared as food.
- While pez gordo refers to an influential person, calling someone gordo or gordita as a nickname in many Spanish-speaking cultures can be a term of endearment rather than an insult.
- The adjective gordo is linked to the English word 'gravity'. Both words share a Latin root related to the concept of weight or heaviness.
Examples in context
- Él es un pez gordo en la empresa.He is a big fish in the company.
- Ese político es un pez gordo.That politician is a big fish.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing office politics at a cafe.
- Mateo¿Sabes quién es el nuevo director?Do you know who the new director is?
- LucíaSí, es un pez gordo del sector.Yes, he is a big fish from the sector.
- MateoEntonces, su llegada cambiará todo.Then, his arrival will change everything.
- LucíaSeguramente, Mateo.Surely, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pez gordo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gordo, pez, pez gordo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
