pez globo
/ˌpeθ ˈɡlobo/
The English phrase puffer fish is translated into Spanish as pez globo.
The term refers to a type of fish that can inflate its body into a ball shape to protect itself from predators.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pez (fish) and globo (balloon), literally translating to 'balloon fish'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpeθ ˈɡlobo/
Did you know?
- While pez globo describes the animal, Spanish uses the word pescado for the same animal once it is on a dinner plate. Using pez in a restaurant to describe the dish would sound like the fish is still swimming in the bowl.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, you might see the term pez globo used in high-end culinary menus to describe 'fugu', the Japanese delicacy that can be lethal if not prepared correctly.
- The word pez in Spanish has a historical twin that meant 'pitch' or 'resin', coming from the Latin picem. This means that for centuries, two completely different concepts shared the exact same spelling in the language.
Examples in context
- La cocina japonesa es reconocida por su delicioso sushi de pez globo.Japanese cuisine is recognized for its delicious puffer fish sushi.
- Vi un pez globo en el acuario.I saw a puffer fish in the aquarium.
- El pez globo se infla para protegerse.The puffer fish inflates to protect itself.
- Ese pez globo es muy pequeño.That puffer fish is very small.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- Daniel¿Qué es ese animal tan redondo?What is that very round animal?
- ElenaEs un pez globo, Daniel.It is a puffer fish, Daniel.
- Daniel¡Es increíble cómo cambia de forma!It's incredible how it changes shape!
- ElenaSí, es muy impresionante.Yes, it is very impressive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pez globo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries globo, pez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
