poisson rouge
/pwa.sɔ̃ ʁuʒ/
The English phrase 'gold fish' is translated into French as poisson rouge.
In French, this phrase refers to the small, orange or yellow fish commonly kept as a pet in an aquarium or bowl.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'red fish', as French speakers use the color red rather than gold to describe this specific pet.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to refer to more than one goldfish, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized, resulting in poissons rouges.
How do you pronounce it?
It has two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using poisson d'or (fish of gold). Although it is a literal translation of the English concept, it is not the standard term for the pet in French.
Did you know?
- The word poisson comes from the Latin word piscem, which is also the root of the English word 'pisces' used in astrology.
- Because poisson rouge describes the color and not the material, using poisson d'or would sound to a French speaker like the fish is literally made of solid gold.
- French speakers categorize the goldfish by its primary hue, whereas English speakers categorize it by the metallic luster of its scales.
Examples in context
- Regarde tous ces poissons rouges magnifiques!Look at all these magnificent goldfish!
- J'ai un petit poisson rouge.I have a little goldfish.
- Le poisson rouge nage dans l'aquarium.The goldfish is swimming in the aquarium.
- Est-ce que tu veux un poisson rouge ?Do you want a goldfish?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are at a pet store.
- EmmaRegarde ce joli poisson rouge !Look at this pretty goldfish!
- NathanIl est très mignon, Emma.He is very cute, Emma.
- EmmaOn peut l'acheter pour le salon ?Can we buy it for the living room?
- NathanOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poisson rouge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poisson, poisson rouge, rouge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
