pez vela
/peθ bela/from spelling rules
The English word 'billfish' is translated into Spanish as pez vela.
This term is used to refer to the biological group of Istiophorids and Xiphiids, commonly known in English as billfish.
Meaning: Istiophorids and Xiphiids (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When forming the plural 'billfish' (peces vela), only the noun pez is pluralized to peces, while the modifier vela remains unchanged.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word pez changes to pescado once the fish has been caught and is ready to be eaten.
- The word vela is a distant relative of the English word 'veil'. Both come from the Latin vēlum, meaning a cloth or curtain.
- In Spanish, the word vela can mean 'sail', 'candle', or 'watch/vigil', depending on the context.
Examples in context
- El marlin azul es conocido por su increíble capacidad de salto.The blue marlin is known for its amazing jumping ability.
- Vimos un pez vela en el océano.We saw a sailfish in the ocean.
- Ese pez vela es enorme.That sailfish is huge.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at photos of a fishing trip.
- JavierMira este pez vela que atrapé.Look at this sailfish that I caught.
- Elena¡Es increíble, Javier!It is incredible, Javier!
- JavierFue la lucha más difícil de mi vida.It was the hardest fight of my life.
- ElenaEl pez vela es un animal fuerte.The sailfish is a strong animal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pez vela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pez, vela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
