pez espada
/ˌpeθ esˈpada/masculine
The English word swordfish is pez espada in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists albacora and pez emperador.
Meaning: Xiphias gladius (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pez espada | /ˌpeθ esˈpada/ /ˌpes esˈpada/ |
masculine |
| albacora | /albaˈkoɾa/ | feminine |
| pez emperador | /peθ empeɾadoɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /pes empeɾadoɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| alfanje | /alˈfanxe/ | masculine |
| espadarte | /espadaɾte/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| jifia | /xifja/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The term refers to the fish species Xiphias gladius.
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun pez espada is made of pez (fish) and espada (sword).
Which one should you use?
While pez espada is the most common way to say swordfish, espadarte is a more specific biological or culinary term for the same fish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain and Mexico, the term emperador may be used for swordfish.
How does it change in a sentence?
When pluralizing the compound noun pez espada, only the word pez changes to peces, while espada remains singular (e.g., los peces espada).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpeθ esˈpada/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Comimos pez espada.We ate swordfish.This sentence shows how to use pez espada when talking about eating the fish.Tatoeba #4505662 by cueyayotl, translation #4097045 by Lepotdeterre
- El "pez espada" es conocido por su espectacular tamaño y velocidad en las aguas tropicales.The swordfish is known for its impressive size and speed in tropical waters.
- Hoy en el mercado, compré un delicioso filete de "emperador" para la cena.Today at the market, I bought a delicious "swordfish" steak for dinner.
- El pez espada es muy rápido.The swordfish is very fast.
- Venden pez espada fresco en el mercado.They sell fresh swordfish at the market.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are looking at a seafood menu at a restaurant.
- Sofía¿Te gusta el pez espada?Do you like swordfish?
- MateoSí, es mi plato favorito.Yes, it is my favorite dish.
- SofíaEntonces, pidamos ese para comer.Then, let's order that to eat.
- MateoMe parece una buena idea.That sounds like a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swordfish” translations and entries pez espada, albacora, alfanje, 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 albacora, alfanje, emperador, espada, pez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
