robalo
/ʁoˈba.lu/masculine
The Portuguese word for sea bass is robalo. Wiktionary also lists robalo-legítimo and robalete.
Meaning: salt-water fish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| robalo | /ʁoˈba.lu/ (Brazil) /ʁoˈba.lu/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
| robalo-legítimo | ||
| robalete |
The term refers to salt-water fish.
Which one should you use?
While robalo is a general term for sea bass, robalo-legítimo is used specifically to denote the European seabass species. The term robalete is also a form of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
robalo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ʁoˈba.lu/.
Did you know?
- The word robalo likely shares a root with the word for 'wolf'. It comes from the Catalan llobarro meaning 'small wolf'.
- In Portugal, robalo is often considered the 'king of the coast' and is one of the most prized fish for traditional grilling.
- The European seabass, or robalo-legítimo, is a migratory fish that creates a biological bridge between the salt water of the Atlantic and the fresh water of Portuguese rivers.
Examples in context
- Gostaria de uma dourada grelhada, por favor.I would like a grilled sea bass, please.
- Era robalo, fresquinho do mercado.It was sea bass, fresh from the market.
- O robalo está muito fresco.The sea bass is very fresh.
- Eu pedi robalo grelhado no jantar.I ordered grilled sea bass for dinner.
- Este robalo é de alta qualidade.This sea bass is high quality.
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are choosing a dish at a seafood restaurant.
- FelipeBeatriz, o que achas do robalo?Beatriz, what do you think of the sea bass?
- BeatrizAcho que o robalo parece delicioso.I think the sea bass looks delicious.
- FelipeEntão, vou pedir o robalo para mim.Then, I will order the sea bass for myself.
- BeatrizBoa escolha, Felipe, é um ótimo prato.Good choice, Felipe, it is a great dish.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sea bass” translations and entries robalo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries robalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
