pez dorado
/ˌpeθ doˈɾado/masculine
The Spanish word for goldfish is pez dorado. If unsure, use pez dorado. Wiktionary also lists pez rojo and pez de oro.
Meaning: fish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pez dorado | /ˌpeθ doˈɾado/ /ˌpes doˈɾado/ |
masculine |
| pez rojo | /peθ ɾoxo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /pes ɾoxo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| pez de oro | /peθ de oɾo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /pes de oɾo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| pez de colores | /peθ de koloɾes/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /pes de koloɾes/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| carpa dorada | /ˌkaɾpa doˈɾada/ | Mexico, feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pez dorado is composed of pez (fish) and dorado (golden).
Which one should you use?
While pez dorado is the standard term, you may encounter other forms. Pez rojo refers specifically to a red fish, whereas pez de colores refers to a fish of many colors. Pez de oro is another way to say golden fish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, pez dorado is a common way to refer to a goldfish. In Spain, the term carpa dorada can be used to refer to goldfish.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must change to their plural forms: peces dorados.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpeθ doˈɾado/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, there is a distinction between pez and pescado. While both mean 'fish', pez is used for fish that are alive in water, whereas pescado is used for fish that have been caught and are ready to eat.
- The root of the word oro is a cognate with the Latin word aurum, which is where the chemical symbol for gold, 'Au', comes from.
Examples in context
- El pez dorado está vivo.The goldfish is alive.This sentence is useful for describing the state of the pez dorado.Tatoeba #1385966 by marcelostockle, translation #680149 by Source_VOA
- Le doy de comer al pez dorado.I'm feeding the goldfish.This sentence is useful for describing an action involving the pez dorado.Tatoeba #3581920 by ficion, translation #18548 by CK
- Tengo la memoria de un pez de colores.I have a memory like a goldfish.This sentence is useful for using the idiom involving pez de colores.Tatoeba #1852373 by topofabi, translation #381105 by gordeldier
- Tengo un pez dorado.I have a goldfish.
- Amo a mi pez dorado.I love my goldfish.
- Quiero comprar un pez dorado.I want to buy a goldfish.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at a pet store.
- SofíaMira ese pez dorado, es muy bonito.Look at that goldfish, it is very pretty.
- AlejandroSí, pero es demasiado pequeño.Yes, but it is too small.
- Sofía¿Crees que el pez dorado necesita una pecera grande?Do you think the goldfish needs a large tank?
- AlejandroSí, definitivamente necesita más espacio.Yes, it definitely needs more space.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goldfish” translations and entries pez dorado, pez rojo, pez de oro, pez de colores, carpa dorada, 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 de, dorado, oro, pez, rojo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
