๐ฆ Seafood Vocab
Seafood vocabulary can be surprisingly tricky. A menu may offer cod, haddock, or pollock, even though all three are mild white fish. The same animal may be called shrimp in one country and prawns in another. And calamari sounds like a special kind of seafood, but it is simply squid. These are useful words for reading menus, shopping at a fish counter, following recipes, and talking naturally about seafood in English.
๐ Everyday Fish
๐ฉท Salmon
a rich, pink fish with an oily texture
Example: We grilled salmon and served it with lemon and roasted vegetables.
๐ซ๐ท French: Saumon
๐ฉ๐ช German: Lachs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Salmone
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Salmรฃo
๐ก Nuance: Seafood is often described as oily, lean, mild, or rich. Salmon is an oily, flavorful fish, while many white fish have a milder flavor.
a rich, pink fish with an oily texture
Example: We grilled salmon and served it with lemon and roasted vegetables.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Salmรณn๐ซ๐ท French: Saumon
๐ฉ๐ช German: Lachs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Salmone
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Salmรฃo
๐ก Nuance: Seafood is often described as oily, lean, mild, or rich. Salmon is an oily, flavorful fish, while many white fish have a milder flavor.
๐ด Tuna
a large ocean fish with dense, meaty flesh
Example: The restaurant serves fresh tuna steaks, but I usually buy canned tuna for sandwiches.
๐ซ๐ท French: Thon
๐ฉ๐ช German: Thunfisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Tonno
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Atum
๐ก Nuance: Fresh tuna and canned tuna use the same basic word but can look and taste very different. Meaty describes a firm, substantial texture.
a large ocean fish with dense, meaty flesh
Example: The restaurant serves fresh tuna steaks, but I usually buy canned tuna for sandwiches.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Atรบn๐ซ๐ท French: Thon
๐ฉ๐ช German: Thunfisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Tonno
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Atum
๐ก Nuance: Fresh tuna and canned tuna use the same basic word but can look and taste very different. Meaty describes a firm, substantial texture.
โช Cod
a mild white fish that separates into large flakes when cooked
Example: I ordered cod and chips at the pub.
๐ซ๐ท French: Morue / cabillaud
๐ฉ๐ช German: Kabeljau
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Merluzzo
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Bacalhau
๐ก Nuance: Flaky is one of the most useful words for cooked fish. It means the flesh separates easily into soft pieces or layers. Haddock and pollock have a similar texture.
a mild white fish that separates into large flakes when cooked
Example: I ordered cod and chips at the pub.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Bacalao๐ซ๐ท French: Morue / cabillaud
๐ฉ๐ช German: Kabeljau
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Merluzzo
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Bacalhau
๐ก Nuance: Flaky is one of the most useful words for cooked fish. It means the flesh separates easily into soft pieces or layers. Haddock and pollock have a similar texture.
๐ก Haddock
a mild white fish closely related to cod
Example: The chowder was made with smoked haddock instead of cod.
๐ซ๐ท French: รglefin
๐ฉ๐ช German: Schellfisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Asinello
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Arinca
๐ก Nuance: Cod and haddock often appear in the same kinds of dishes. Smoked haddock has been preserved and flavored with smoke; Finnan haddie is a traditional name for smoked haddock.
a mild white fish closely related to cod
Example: The chowder was made with smoked haddock instead of cod.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Eglefino๐ซ๐ท French: รglefin
๐ฉ๐ช German: Schellfisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Asinello
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Arinca
๐ก Nuance: Cod and haddock often appear in the same kinds of dishes. Smoked haddock has been preserved and flavored with smoke; Finnan haddie is a traditional name for smoked haddock.
๐ง Halibut
a large flatfish with thick, firm white flesh
Example: The halibut was thick enough to serve like a steak.
๐ซ๐ท French: Flรฉtan
๐ฉ๐ช German: Heilbutt
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Ippoglosso
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Alabote
๐ก Nuance: Halibut, flounder, and sole are all flatfish, but halibut produces a much thicker piece of meat. Fillet is the general word for a boneless piece cut from the side of a fish.
a large flatfish with thick, firm white flesh
Example: The halibut was thick enough to serve like a steak.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Fletรกn๐ซ๐ท French: Flรฉtan
๐ฉ๐ช German: Heilbutt
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Ippoglosso
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Alabote
๐ก Nuance: Halibut, flounder, and sole are all flatfish, but halibut produces a much thicker piece of meat. Fillet is the general word for a boneless piece cut from the side of a fish.
๐ข Mahi-Mahi
a firm tropical fish also known as dolphinfish
Example: We ordered grilled mahi-mahi with rice and mango salsa.
๐ซ๐ท French: Coryphรจne
๐ฉ๐ช German: Goldmakrele
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Lampuga
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Dourado
๐ก Nuance: Despite the alternative name dolphinfish, mahi-mahi is a fish, not a dolphin. Despite the name is a useful phrase when a name creates the wrong impression.
a firm tropical fish also known as dolphinfish
Example: We ordered grilled mahi-mahi with rice and mango salsa.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Mahi-mahi / dorado๐ซ๐ท French: Coryphรจne
๐ฉ๐ช German: Goldmakrele
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Lampuga
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Dourado
๐ก Nuance: Despite the alternative name dolphinfish, mahi-mahi is a fish, not a dolphin. Despite the name is a useful phrase when a name creates the wrong impression.
โ๏ธ Swordfish
a large fish with dense flesh that is often cut into steaks
Example: The chef grilled the swordfish steak over high heat.
๐ซ๐ท French: Espadon
๐ฉ๐ช German: Schwertfisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce spada
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Espadarte
๐ก Nuance: A fish steak is a thick cross-section of fish. Swordfish and tuna are commonly described as meaty because their texture is firmer than flaky fish such as cod.
a large fish with dense flesh that is often cut into steaks
Example: The chef grilled the swordfish steak over high heat.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Pez espada๐ซ๐ท French: Espadon
๐ฉ๐ช German: Schwertfisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce spada
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Espadarte
๐ก Nuance: A fish steak is a thick cross-section of fish. Swordfish and tuna are commonly described as meaty because their texture is firmer than flaky fish such as cod.
๐ Mackerel
an oily fish with a strong, distinctive flavor
Example: She served smoked mackerel with bread and a simple salad.
๐ซ๐ท French: Maquereau
๐ฉ๐ช German: Makrele
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Sgombro
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Sarda
๐ก Nuance: Strong-flavored is the opposite of mild. Mackerel, herring, sardines, and bluefish are useful examples of fish with more noticeable flavors.
an oily fish with a strong, distinctive flavor
Example: She served smoked mackerel with bread and a simple salad.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Caballa๐ซ๐ท French: Maquereau
๐ฉ๐ช German: Makrele
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Sgombro
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Sarda
๐ก Nuance: Strong-flavored is the opposite of mild. Mackerel, herring, sardines, and bluefish are useful examples of fish with more noticeable flavors.
๐ฅซ Sardines
small oily fish commonly sold fresh or canned
Example: He put sardines on toast and added a squeeze of lemon.
๐ซ๐ท French: Sardines
๐ฉ๐ช German: Sardinen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Sardine
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Sardinhas
๐ก Nuance: Sardines are often eaten as the main fish in a snack or meal. Anchovies are usually much saltier and are often used in smaller amounts to add flavor.
small oily fish commonly sold fresh or canned
Example: He put sardines on toast and added a squeeze of lemon.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Sardinas๐ซ๐ท French: Sardines
๐ฉ๐ช German: Sardinen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Sardine
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Sardinhas
๐ก Nuance: Sardines are often eaten as the main fish in a snack or meal. Anchovies are usually much saltier and are often used in smaller amounts to add flavor.
๐ง Anchovies
small, intensely flavored fish often preserved with salt
Example: A few anchovies melted into the sauce and gave it a deep savory flavor.
๐ซ๐ท French: Anchois
๐ฉ๐ช German: Sardellen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Acciughe
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Anchovas
๐ก Nuance: Anchovies are often used as a seasoning rather than eaten as a whole portion of fish. Umami describes a deep savory taste found in many rich foods.
small, intensely flavored fish often preserved with salt
Example: A few anchovies melted into the sauce and gave it a deep savory flavor.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Anchoas๐ซ๐ท French: Anchois
๐ฉ๐ช German: Sardellen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Acciughe
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Anchovas
๐ก Nuance: Anchovies are often used as a seasoning rather than eaten as a whole portion of fish. Umami describes a deep savory taste found in many rich foods.
๐ฅ Herring
a small oily fish often smoked or pickled
Example: Pickled herring was served with potatoes and onions.
๐ซ๐ท French: Hareng
๐ฉ๐ช German: Hering
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Aringa
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Arenque
๐ก Nuance: A kipper is smoked herring, while a rollmop is pickled herring that has been rolled. These are useful words on traditional European menus.
a small oily fish often smoked or pickled
Example: Pickled herring was served with potatoes and onions.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Arenque๐ซ๐ท French: Hareng
๐ฉ๐ช German: Hering
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Aringa
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Arenque
๐ก Nuance: A kipper is smoked herring, while a rollmop is pickled herring that has been rolled. These are useful words on traditional European menus.
๐๏ธ Trout
a fish closely related to salmon and commonly associated with fresh water
Example: We caught trout in the morning and pan-fried it for dinner.
๐ซ๐ท French: Truite
๐ฉ๐ช German: Forelle
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Trota
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Truta
๐ก Nuance: Pan-fried means cooked in a shallow amount of oil or butter in a frying pan. Trout, salmon, and Arctic char are closely related names that learners often see together.
a fish closely related to salmon and commonly associated with fresh water
Example: We caught trout in the morning and pan-fried it for dinner.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Trucha๐ซ๐ท French: Truite
๐ฉ๐ช German: Forelle
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Trota
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Truta
๐ก Nuance: Pan-fried means cooked in a shallow amount of oil or butter in a frying pan. Trout, salmon, and Arctic char are closely related names that learners often see together.
๐ฝ๏ธ Restaurant White Fish
๐ด Snapper
a firm white fish commonly found on restaurant menus
Example: The waiter recommended the whole roasted snapper for two people.
๐ซ๐ท French: Vivaneau
๐ฉ๐ช German: Schnapper
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Dentice
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Pargo
๐ก Nuance: Whole fish means the fish is cooked largely intact rather than served only as a fillet. Red snapper is one of the best-known snapper names.
a firm white fish commonly found on restaurant menus
Example: The waiter recommended the whole roasted snapper for two people.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Pargo / huachinango๐ซ๐ท French: Vivaneau
๐ฉ๐ช German: Schnapper
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Dentice
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Pargo
๐ก Nuance: Whole fish means the fish is cooked largely intact rather than served only as a fillet. Red snapper is one of the best-known snapper names.
๐งฑ Grouper
a thick, firm white fish with a mild flavor
Example: I ordered the grouper sandwich because I wanted a firm piece of fish rather than something delicate.
๐ซ๐ท French: Mรฉrou
๐ฉ๐ช German: Zackenbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Cernia
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Garoupa
๐ก Nuance: Firm and delicate are useful opposites when describing fish texture. Grouper is typically described as firmer than thin flatfish such as sole.
a thick, firm white fish with a mild flavor
Example: I ordered the grouper sandwich because I wanted a firm piece of fish rather than something delicate.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Mero๐ซ๐ท French: Mรฉrou
๐ฉ๐ช German: Zackenbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Cernia
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Garoupa
๐ก Nuance: Firm and delicate are useful opposites when describing fish texture. Grouper is typically described as firmer than thin flatfish such as sole.
๐ผ Sea Bass
a broad menu name used for several kinds of mild fish
Example: The menu says sea bass, so I asked the waiter which type it was.
๐ซ๐ท French: Bar
๐ฉ๐ช German: Wolfsbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Spigola / branzino
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Robalo
๐ก Nuance: Sea bass is broader than one precise fish name. For example, branzino refers to Mediterranean sea bass, while Chilean sea bass is a different fish.
a broad menu name used for several kinds of mild fish
Example: The menu says sea bass, so I asked the waiter which type it was.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Lubina๐ซ๐ท French: Bar
๐ฉ๐ช German: Wolfsbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Spigola / branzino
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Robalo
๐ก Nuance: Sea bass is broader than one precise fish name. For example, branzino refers to Mediterranean sea bass, while Chilean sea bass is a different fish.
๐ฎ๐น Branzino
Mediterranean sea bass, often served whole
Example: We shared a whole roasted branzino at the Italian restaurant.
๐ซ๐ท French: Bar
๐ฉ๐ช German: Wolfsbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Branzino
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Robalo
๐ก Nuance: Branzino is a more specific name than sea bass. This is useful vocabulary practice in the difference between a general category and a specific name.
Mediterranean sea bass, often served whole
Example: We shared a whole roasted branzino at the Italian restaurant.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Lubina๐ซ๐ท French: Bar
๐ฉ๐ช German: Wolfsbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Branzino
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Robalo
๐ก Nuance: Branzino is a more specific name than sea bass. This is useful vocabulary practice in the difference between a general category and a specific name.
๐ซ Flounder
a mild flatfish usually sold as thin fillets
Example: The lunch special was a lightly fried flounder fillet.
๐ซ๐ท French: Flet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Flunder
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Passera
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Solha
๐ก Nuance: A flatfish has a flattened body and both eyes on the same side as an adult. Flounder, sole, and halibut are all useful flatfish names.
a mild flatfish usually sold as thin fillets
Example: The lunch special was a lightly fried flounder fillet.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Platija๐ซ๐ท French: Flet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Flunder
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Passera
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Solha
๐ก Nuance: A flatfish has a flattened body and both eyes on the same side as an adult. Flounder, sole, and halibut are all useful flatfish names.
๐ง Sole
a delicate flatfish associated with fine restaurant dishes
Example: She ordered sole meuniรจre with butter, lemon, and parsley.
๐ซ๐ท French: Sole
๐ฉ๐ช German: Seezunge
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Sogliola
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Linguado
๐ก Nuance: Delicate describes fish that is fine-textured and easily broken. Dover sole is a particularly well-known menu name.
a delicate flatfish associated with fine restaurant dishes
Example: She ordered sole meuniรจre with butter, lemon, and parsley.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Lenguado๐ซ๐ท French: Sole
๐ฉ๐ช German: Seezunge
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Sogliola
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Linguado
๐ก Nuance: Delicate describes fish that is fine-textured and easily broken. Dover sole is a particularly well-known menu name.
โ๏ธ Arctic Char
a cold-water fish related to both salmon and trout
Example: I chose Arctic char because I wanted something similar to salmon.
๐ซ๐ท French: Omble chevalier
๐ฉ๐ช German: Saibling
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Salmerino
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Salvelino
๐ก Nuance: The fish is called char, not chard. Chard is a leafy vegetable, so the missing d changes the meaning completely.
a cold-water fish related to both salmon and trout
Example: I chose Arctic char because I wanted something similar to salmon.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Salvelino / trucha alpina๐ซ๐ท French: Omble chevalier
๐ฉ๐ช German: Saibling
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Salmerino
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Salvelino
๐ก Nuance: The fish is called char, not chard. Chard is a leafy vegetable, so the missing d changes the meaning completely.
๐ซ๏ธ Pollock
a mild white fish widely used in processed and prepared seafood
Example: Many fish sticks and breaded fish fillets are made with pollock.
๐ซ๐ท French: Lieu / colin
๐ฉ๐ช German: Seelachs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Merluzzo giallo
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Escamudo
๐ก Nuance: Pollock, cod, and haddock can fill similar roles in cooking. If something is a substitute for another ingredient, it can be used in its place.
a mild white fish widely used in processed and prepared seafood
Example: Many fish sticks and breaded fish fillets are made with pollock.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Abadejo / carbonero๐ซ๐ท French: Lieu / colin
๐ฉ๐ช German: Seelachs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Merluzzo giallo
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Escamudo
๐ก Nuance: Pollock, cod, and haddock can fill similar roles in cooking. If something is a substitute for another ingredient, it can be used in its place.
๐ง Tilefish
a rich white fish with a slightly sweet flavor
Example: I had never tried tilefish, so I asked the server what it tasted like.
๐ซ๐ท French: Tile
๐ฉ๐ช German: Ziegelbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Tilefish
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Tilefish
๐ก Nuance: When you do not recognize a fish on a menu, useful questions include: โIs it mild or strong?โ, โIs it firm or flaky?โ, and โHow is it prepared?โ
a rich white fish with a slightly sweet flavor
Example: I had never tried tilefish, so I asked the server what it tasted like.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Blanquillo๐ซ๐ท French: Tile
๐ฉ๐ช German: Ziegelbarsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Tilefish
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Tilefish
๐ก Nuance: When you do not recognize a fish on a menu, useful questions include: โIs it mild or strong?โ, โIs it firm or flaky?โ, and โHow is it prepared?โ
๐ Other Fish
๐ฑ Catfish
a freshwater fish named for the whisker-like barbels around its mouth
Example: We stopped at a roadside restaurant for fried catfish.
๐ซ๐ท French: Poisson-chat
๐ฉ๐ช German: Wels / Katzenwels
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce gatto
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Bagre / peixe-gato
๐ก Nuance: The word catfish is also used online as a verb or noun for someone who pretends to be another person. In a seafood lesson, of course, it means the fish.
a freshwater fish named for the whisker-like barbels around its mouth
Example: We stopped at a roadside restaurant for fried catfish.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Bagre๐ซ๐ท French: Poisson-chat
๐ฉ๐ช German: Wels / Katzenwels
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce gatto
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Bagre / peixe-gato
๐ก Nuance: The word catfish is also used online as a verb or noun for someone who pretends to be another person. In a seafood lesson, of course, it means the fish.
๐ Carp
a freshwater fish used in several traditional cuisines
Example: Carp appears in traditional holiday dishes in some cultures.
๐ซ๐ท French: Carpe
๐ฉ๐ช German: Karpfen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Carpa
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Carpa
๐ก Nuance: Carp is familiar in some food traditions and uncommon in others. Traditional dish is a useful phrase for food strongly associated with a culture, region, or celebration.
a freshwater fish used in several traditional cuisines
Example: Carp appears in traditional holiday dishes in some cultures.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Carpa๐ซ๐ท French: Carpe
๐ฉ๐ช German: Karpfen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Carpa
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Carpa
๐ก Nuance: Carp is familiar in some food traditions and uncommon in others. Traditional dish is a useful phrase for food strongly associated with a culture, region, or celebration.
ใฐ๏ธ Eel
a long, narrow fish with rich flesh
Example: The sushi restaurant offers several dishes made with eel.
๐ซ๐ท French: Anguille
๐ฉ๐ช German: Aal
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Anguilla
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Enguia
๐ก Nuance: On Japanese menus, you may encounter names such as unagi and anago. In general English conversation, eel is the broad word learners need first.
a long, narrow fish with rich flesh
Example: The sushi restaurant offers several dishes made with eel.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Anguila๐ซ๐ท French: Anguille
๐ฉ๐ช German: Aal
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Anguilla
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Enguia
๐ก Nuance: On Japanese menus, you may encounter names such as unagi and anago. In general English conversation, eel is the broad word learners need first.
๐ต Bluefish
an oily Atlantic fish with a strong flavor
Example: Bluefish has a stronger flavor than many mild white fish.
๐ซ๐ท French: Tassergal
๐ฉ๐ช German: Blaufisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce serra
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Anchova
๐ก Nuance: Do not confuse bluefish with bluefin tuna. Similar-looking names do not necessarily describe closely related foods.
an oily Atlantic fish with a strong flavor
Example: Bluefish has a stronger flavor than many mild white fish.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Anjova / pez azul๐ซ๐ท French: Tassergal
๐ฉ๐ช German: Blaufisch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce serra
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Anchova
๐ก Nuance: Do not confuse bluefish with bluefin tuna. Similar-looking names do not necessarily describe closely related foods.
๐ Mullet
a coastal fish whose roe is also used in specialty foods
Example: Smoked mullet is a familiar seafood dish in some coastal regions.
๐ซ๐ท French: Mulet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Meerรคsche
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Muggine
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Tainha
๐ก Nuance: Mullet has another famous English meaning: a hairstyle that is shorter at the front and sides and longer at the back. Context tells you whether someone means the fish or the haircut.
a coastal fish whose roe is also used in specialty foods
Example: Smoked mullet is a familiar seafood dish in some coastal regions.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Lisa / mรบjol๐ซ๐ท French: Mulet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Meerรคsche
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Muggine
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Tainha
๐ก Nuance: Mullet has another famous English meaning: a hairstyle that is shorter at the front and sides and longer at the back. Context tells you whether someone means the fish or the haircut.
๐ก Perch
a small, mild freshwater fish
Example: The restaurant is known for its Friday lake perch fry.
๐ซ๐ท French: Perche
๐ฉ๐ช German: Barsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce persico
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Perca
๐ก Nuance: Be careful with compound names. Lake perch and a menu item called ocean perch do not necessarily refer to the same kind of fish.
a small, mild freshwater fish
Example: The restaurant is known for its Friday lake perch fry.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Perca๐ซ๐ท French: Perche
๐ฉ๐ช German: Barsch
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Pesce persico
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Perca
๐ก Nuance: Be careful with compound names. Lake perch and a menu item called ocean perch do not necessarily refer to the same kind of fish.
๐ก๏ธ Pike
a long freshwater predatory fish with many small bones
Example: Because pike can be bony, the kitchen used the meat to make dumplings.
๐ซ๐ท French: Brochet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Hecht
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Luccio
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lรบcio
๐ก Nuance: Bony means containing many bones that can make the fish more difficult to eat as a simple fillet.
a long freshwater predatory fish with many small bones
Example: Because pike can be bony, the kitchen used the meat to make dumplings.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Lucio๐ซ๐ท French: Brochet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Hecht
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Luccio
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lรบcio
๐ก Nuance: Bony means containing many bones that can make the fish more difficult to eat as a simple fillet.
๐ธ Monkfish
a bottom-dwelling fish with dense, firm tail meat
Example: The monkfish had a surprisingly firm texture that reminded me of lobster.
๐ซ๐ท French: Lotte
๐ฉ๐ช German: Seeteufel
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Coda di rospo
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Tamboril
๐ก Nuance: Monkfish tail is sometimes compared with lobster because of its dense texture. Reminds me of is a natural way to compare one food with another.
a bottom-dwelling fish with dense, firm tail meat
Example: The monkfish had a surprisingly firm texture that reminded me of lobster.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Rape๐ซ๐ท French: Lotte
๐ฉ๐ช German: Seeteufel
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Coda di rospo
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Tamboril
๐ก Nuance: Monkfish tail is sometimes compared with lobster because of its dense texture. Reminds me of is a natural way to compare one food with another.
๐ช Skate
a ray whose wing meat is eaten as seafood
Example: The restaurant served skate wing with brown butter.
๐ซ๐ท French: Raie
๐ฉ๐ช German: Rochen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Razza
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Raia
๐ก Nuance: On a menu, you will often see the phrase skate wing. Although skate looks flat, it is not the same kind of fish as flounder or sole.
a ray whose wing meat is eaten as seafood
Example: The restaurant served skate wing with brown butter.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Raya๐ซ๐ท French: Raie
๐ฉ๐ช German: Rochen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Razza
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Raia
๐ก Nuance: On a menu, you will often see the phrase skate wing. Although skate looks flat, it is not the same kind of fish as flounder or sole.
๐ฆ Shellfish & Squid
๐ฆ Shrimp
a small swimming shellfish; the usual word in American English
Example: She ordered shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.
๐ซ๐ท French: Crevettes
๐ฉ๐ช German: Garnelen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Gamberetti / gamberi
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Camarรตes
๐ก Nuance: American menus generally prefer shrimp. British and other English-language menus often use prawns. In everyday food English, the distinction is not always strict.
a small swimming shellfish; the usual word in American English
Example: She ordered shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Camarones๐ซ๐ท French: Crevettes
๐ฉ๐ช German: Garnelen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Gamberetti / gamberi
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Camarรตes
๐ก Nuance: American menus generally prefer shrimp. British and other English-language menus often use prawns. In everyday food English, the distinction is not always strict.
๐ฆ Prawns
another common English word for shrimp-like shellfish
Example: The restaurant served garlic prawns with bread for dipping.
๐ซ๐ท French: Crevettes / langoustines
๐ฉ๐ช German: Garnelen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Gamberi
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Gambas / camarรตes
๐ก Nuance: A learner does not need to assume that prawn always means โlarge shrimp.โ Usage varies. The important vocabulary lesson is that shrimp and prawn often overlap in everyday English.
another common English word for shrimp-like shellfish
Example: The restaurant served garlic prawns with bread for dipping.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Langostinos / camarones๐ซ๐ท French: Crevettes / langoustines
๐ฉ๐ช German: Garnelen
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Gamberi
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Gambas / camarรตes
๐ก Nuance: A learner does not need to assume that prawn always means โlarge shrimp.โ Usage varies. The important vocabulary lesson is that shrimp and prawn often overlap in everyday English.
๐ฆ Crab
a broad, hard-shelled crustacean usually recognized by its claws
Example: We ordered crab cakes to share before dinner.
๐ซ๐ท French: Crabe
๐ฉ๐ช German: Krabbe / Krebs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Granchio
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Caranguejo
๐ก Nuance: Crab meat, crab cake, and soft-shell crab are common menu phrases. A soft-shell crab is a crab eaten after it has recently molted.
a broad, hard-shelled crustacean usually recognized by its claws
Example: We ordered crab cakes to share before dinner.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Cangrejo๐ซ๐ท French: Crabe
๐ฉ๐ช German: Krabbe / Krebs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Granchio
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Caranguejo
๐ก Nuance: Crab meat, crab cake, and soft-shell crab are common menu phrases. A soft-shell crab is a crab eaten after it has recently molted.
๐ฆ Lobster
a large marine crustacean commonly associated with rich, sweet meat
Example: We shared a lobster roll by the harbor.
๐ซ๐ท French: Homard
๐ฉ๐ช German: Hummer
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Astice / aragosta
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lagosta
๐ก Nuance: A lobster roll is a sandwich, not a rolled piece of lobster. Food names containing roll can refer to bread, sushi, or another rolled preparation depending on context.
a large marine crustacean commonly associated with rich, sweet meat
Example: We shared a lobster roll by the harbor.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Langosta๐ซ๐ท French: Homard
๐ฉ๐ช German: Hummer
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Astice / aragosta
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lagosta
๐ก Nuance: A lobster roll is a sandwich, not a rolled piece of lobster. Food names containing roll can refer to bread, sushi, or another rolled preparation depending on context.
๐ฆ Crawfish
a small freshwater crustacean also called crayfish or crawdad
Example: Everyone gathered around the table for a Louisiana crawfish boil.
๐ซ๐ท French: รcrevisse
๐ฉ๐ช German: Flusskrebs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Gambero di fiume
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lagostim
๐ก Nuance: Crawfish, crayfish, and crawdad are regional English names for the same animal. In Louisiana, crawfish is especially common.
a small freshwater crustacean also called crayfish or crawdad
Example: Everyone gathered around the table for a Louisiana crawfish boil.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Cangrejo de rรญo๐ซ๐ท French: รcrevisse
๐ฉ๐ช German: Flusskrebs
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Gambero di fiume
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lagostim
๐ก Nuance: Crawfish, crayfish, and crawdad are regional English names for the same animal. In Louisiana, crawfish is especially common.
โช Scallops
sweet shellfish usually served as round pieces of tender white meat
Example: The chef seared the scallops until they were golden on both sides.
๐ซ๐ท French: Coquilles Saint-Jacques
๐ฉ๐ช German: Jakobsmuscheln
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Capesante
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Vieiras
๐ก Nuance: Seared means cooked quickly over strong heat so the outside browns. Bay scallops are smaller, while sea scallops are larger.
sweet shellfish usually served as round pieces of tender white meat
Example: The chef seared the scallops until they were golden on both sides.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Vieiras๐ซ๐ท French: Coquilles Saint-Jacques
๐ฉ๐ช German: Jakobsmuscheln
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Capesante
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Vieiras
๐ก Nuance: Seared means cooked quickly over strong heat so the outside browns. Bay scallops are smaller, while sea scallops are larger.
๐ฆช Oysters
bivalve shellfish often eaten raw or cooked
Example: We ordered six oysters on the half shell from the raw bar.
๐ซ๐ท French: Huรฎtres
๐ฉ๐ช German: Austern
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Ostriche
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Ostras
๐ก Nuance: On the half shell means the shellfish is served sitting in one half of its shell. Briny describes a salty, sea-like flavor.
bivalve shellfish often eaten raw or cooked
Example: We ordered six oysters on the half shell from the raw bar.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Ostras๐ซ๐ท French: Huรฎtres
๐ฉ๐ช German: Austern
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Ostriche
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Ostras
๐ก Nuance: On the half shell means the shellfish is served sitting in one half of its shell. Briny describes a salty, sea-like flavor.
๐ค Mussels
dark-shelled bivalves commonly steamed in a pot
Example: We steamed mussels with white wine, garlic, and herbs.
๐ซ๐ท French: Moules
๐ฉ๐ช German: Miesmuscheln
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Cozze
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Mexilhรตes
๐ก Nuance: Mussels may have a fibrous bundle commonly called a beard. Here, beard is seafood vocabulary, not facial hair.
dark-shelled bivalves commonly steamed in a pot
Example: We steamed mussels with white wine, garlic, and herbs.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Mejillones๐ซ๐ท French: Moules
๐ฉ๐ช German: Miesmuscheln
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Cozze
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Mexilhรตes
๐ก Nuance: Mussels may have a fibrous bundle commonly called a beard. Here, beard is seafood vocabulary, not facial hair.
๐ Clams
bivalve shellfish used in soups, pasta, and steamed dishes
Example: The restaurant serves both clam chowder and linguine with clams.
๐ซ๐ท French: Palourdes / clam
๐ฉ๐ช German: Venusmuscheln
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Vongole
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Amรชijoas
๐ก Nuance: Clam chowder is a thick soup containing clams. Names such as littleneck, steamer, and quahog refer to particular clam types or market categories.
bivalve shellfish used in soups, pasta, and steamed dishes
Example: The restaurant serves both clam chowder and linguine with clams.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Almejas๐ซ๐ท French: Palourdes / clam
๐ฉ๐ช German: Venusmuscheln
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Vongole
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Amรชijoas
๐ก Nuance: Clam chowder is a thick soup containing clams. Names such as littleneck, steamer, and quahog refer to particular clam types or market categories.
๐ฆ Squid
a cephalopod often sold as tubes, tentacles, or rings
Example: The fried calamari was made from squid cut into rings.
๐ซ๐ท French: Calmar / encornet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Tintenfisch / Kalmar
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Calamaro
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lula
๐ก Nuance: Squid is the everyday English name for the animal. Calamari is especially common when referring to squid as food, particularly on restaurant menus. Octopus is a different cephalopod.
a cephalopod often sold as tubes, tentacles, or rings
Example: The fried calamari was made from squid cut into rings.
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Spanish: Calamar๐ซ๐ท French: Calmar / encornet
๐ฉ๐ช German: Tintenfisch / Kalmar
๐ฎ๐น Italian: Calamaro
๐ต๐น Portuguese: Lula
๐ก Nuance: Squid is the everyday English name for the animal. Calamari is especially common when referring to squid as food, particularly on restaurant menus. Octopus is a different cephalopod.
๐ง Useful Distinctions
โช Cod vs. ๐ก Haddock vs. ๐ซ๏ธ Pollock
All three are familiar mild white fish with flaky flesh. Cod is a classic fish-and-chips name, haddock appears fresh or smoked, and pollock is widely used in prepared products such as fish sticks. The important English category is white fish.
All three are familiar mild white fish with flaky flesh. Cod is a classic fish-and-chips name, haddock appears fresh or smoked, and pollock is widely used in prepared products such as fish sticks. The important English category is white fish.
๐ฆ Shrimp vs. Prawns
These words overlap heavily in everyday food English. Shrimp is especially common on American menus, while prawns is common in British and other varieties of English. Do not assume that size alone determines which word will appear.
These words overlap heavily in everyday food English. Shrimp is especially common on American menus, while prawns is common in British and other varieties of English. Do not assume that size alone determines which word will appear.
๐ฆ Lobster vs. Crawfish vs. ๐ฆ Crab
Lobster is the large marine crustacean. Crawfish is a much smaller freshwater relative also called crayfish or crawdad. Crab has the broad body that makes it visually easy to distinguish from the other two.
Lobster is the large marine crustacean. Crawfish is a much smaller freshwater relative also called crayfish or crawdad. Crab has the broad body that makes it visually easy to distinguish from the other two.
๐ฆช Oysters vs. ๐ค Mussels vs. ๐ Clams vs. โช Scallops
These are all shellfish, but their menu vocabulary differs. Oysters are famous raw on the half shell. Mussels are commonly steamed in a pot. Clams appear in chowder and pasta. Scallops are often removed from the shell and seared.
These are all shellfish, but their menu vocabulary differs. Oysters are famous raw on the half shell. Mussels are commonly steamed in a pot. Clams appear in chowder and pasta. Scallops are often removed from the shell and seared.
๐ผ Sea bass vs. ๐ฎ๐น Branzino
Sea bass is a broad menu term, while branzino refers specifically to Mediterranean sea bass. This is a useful example of a broad category word versus a more precise food name.
Sea bass is a broad menu term, while branzino refers specifically to Mediterranean sea bass. This is a useful example of a broad category word versus a more precise food name.
๐ซ Flounder vs. ๐ง Sole vs. ๐ง Halibut vs. ๐ช Skate
Flounder, sole, and halibut are flatfish. Flounder and sole are commonly served as thinner fillets, while halibut is much thicker. Skate is a ray and appears on menus as skate wing.
Flounder, sole, and halibut are flatfish. Flounder and sole are commonly served as thinner fillets, while halibut is much thicker. Skate is a ray and appears on menus as skate wing.
๐ฉท Salmon vs. ๐๏ธ Trout vs. โ๏ธ Arctic Char
These names belong to closely related fish. Salmon is the familiar rich pink fish, trout is strongly associated with freshwater cooking, and Arctic char is often compared with both.
These names belong to closely related fish. Salmon is the familiar rich pink fish, trout is strongly associated with freshwater cooking, and Arctic char is often compared with both.
๐ฌ Everyday Seafood Phrases
๐ฆ Americans usually say shrimp; British menus often say prawns.
a useful difference between varieties of English
๐ซ๐ท Les Amรฉricains disent gรฉnรฉralement shrimp ; sur les menus britanniques, on trouve souvent prawns.
๐ฉ๐ช Amerikaner sagen normalerweise shrimp; auf britischen Speisekarten steht oft prawns.
๐ฎ๐น Gli americani di solito dicono shrimp; nei menu britannici compare spesso prawns.
๐ต๐น Os americanos geralmente dizem shrimp; nos menus britรขnicos aparece frequentemente prawns.
a useful difference between varieties of English
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Los estadounidenses suelen decir shrimp; en los menรบs britรกnicos suele aparecer prawns.๐ซ๐ท Les Amรฉricains disent gรฉnรฉralement shrimp ; sur les menus britanniques, on trouve souvent prawns.
๐ฉ๐ช Amerikaner sagen normalerweise shrimp; auf britischen Speisekarten steht oft prawns.
๐ฎ๐น Gli americani di solito dicono shrimp; nei menu britannici compare spesso prawns.
๐ต๐น Os americanos geralmente dizem shrimp; nos menus britรขnicos aparece frequentemente prawns.
๐ฆ Calamari on a menu means squid.
restaurant word vs. everyday animal name
๐ซ๐ท Calamari sur un menu signifie calmar.
๐ฉ๐ช Calamari auf einer Speisekarte bedeutet Tintenfisch.
๐ฎ๐น Calamari su un menu significa calamaro.
๐ต๐น Calamari num menu significa lula.
restaurant word vs. everyday animal name
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Calamari en un menรบ significa calamar.๐ซ๐ท Calamari sur un menu signifie calmar.
๐ฉ๐ช Calamari auf einer Speisekarte bedeutet Tintenfisch.
๐ฎ๐น Calamari su un menu significa calamaro.
๐ต๐น Calamari num menu significa lula.
๐ฎ๐น Branzino is one kind of sea bass, but sea bass is a broader term.
specific word vs. broad category
๐ซ๐ท Le branzino est un type de bar, mais sea bass est un terme plus gรฉnรฉral.
๐ฉ๐ช Branzino ist eine Art Wolfsbarsch, aber sea bass ist ein allgemeinerer Begriff.
๐ฎ๐น Il branzino รจ un tipo di spigola, ma sea bass รจ un termine piรน ampio.
๐ต๐น O branzino รฉ um tipo de robalo, mas sea bass รฉ um termo mais amplo.
specific word vs. broad category
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ El branzino es un tipo de lubina, pero sea bass es un tรฉrmino mรกs amplio.๐ซ๐ท Le branzino est un type de bar, mais sea bass est un terme plus gรฉnรฉral.
๐ฉ๐ช Branzino ist eine Art Wolfsbarsch, aber sea bass ist ein allgemeinerer Begriff.
๐ฎ๐น Il branzino รจ un tipo di spigola, ma sea bass รจ un termine piรน ampio.
๐ต๐น O branzino รฉ um tipo de robalo, mas sea bass รฉ um termo mais amplo.
๐ฆ Crawfish, crayfish, and crawdad are different English names for the same animal.
regional vocabulary
๐ซ๐ท Crawfish, crayfish et crawdad sont diffรฉrents noms anglais pour le mรชme animal.
๐ฉ๐ช Crawfish, crayfish und crawdad sind verschiedene englische Namen fรผr dasselbe Tier.
๐ฎ๐น Crawfish, crayfish e crawdad sono diversi nomi inglesi per lo stesso animale.
๐ต๐น Crawfish, crayfish e crawdad sรฃo nomes ingleses diferentes para o mesmo animal.
regional vocabulary
Show translations
๐ช๐ธ Crawfish, crayfish y crawdad son diferentes nombres ingleses para el mismo animal.๐ซ๐ท Crawfish, crayfish et crawdad sont diffรฉrents noms anglais pour le mรชme animal.
๐ฉ๐ช Crawfish, crayfish und crawdad sind verschiedene englische Namen fรผr dasselbe Tier.
๐ฎ๐น Crawfish, crayfish e crawdad sono diversi nomi inglesi per lo stesso animale.
๐ต๐น Crawfish, crayfish e crawdad sรฃo nomes ingleses diferentes para o mesmo animal.
๐ Final Practice
English in the Real World:
Imagine you are reading a menu, ordering at a restaurant, or shopping for seafood. Choose the word that best fits each situation.
Imagine you are reading a menu, ordering at a restaurant, or shopping for seafood. Choose the word that best fits each situation.
Question 1 of 8
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Correct: 0
โ Questions: 0
๐ฏ Accuracy: 0%