How to Say Seafood in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, understanding the names of various food items in different languages is crucial when exploring cuisines from around the world. If you are a fan of seafood and want to expand your culinary horizons, learning how to say "seafood" in Spanish is essential. In this article, we will explore the translation and meaning of "seafood" in Spanish, along with regional variations and common dishes across different Spanish-speaking countries.


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What is "Seafood" in Spanish?
In Spanish, the word for "seafood" is mariscos (IPA: /maˈɾiskos/). This term encompasses various types of edible aquatic creatures found in saltwater and freshwater bodies. Mariscos play a significant role in Spanish and Latin American cuisines, known for their delicious flavors and culinary diversity.
Seafood Vocabulary in Spanish
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Browse all 4 volumes →"Mariscos" refers to a wide range of seafood delicacies, including fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. Spanish cuisine boasts an extensive repertoire of dishes featuring mariscos, with each region having its own unique preparations and specialties. For example, in Peru, ceviche is a popular dish made from fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices.
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Common Seafood Dishes in Different Countries
In Spain, the traditional dish of paella often features a variety of mariscos such as shrimp, mussels, and clams. In Mexico, you might find dishes like camarones al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or pulpo a la brasa (grilled octopus). Each country has its own unique seafood vocabulary and culinary traditions.
Sample Sentences Using "Mariscos"
Here are five sample sentences using the word "mariscos" in various contexts:
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Me encanta comer mariscos frescos en la playa.
(I love eating fresh seafood at the beach.)
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¿Dónde puedo encontrar un buen restaurante de mariscos aquí?
(Where can I find a good seafood restaurant around here?)
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El ceviche de mariscos es uno de mis platos peruanos favoritos.
(Seafood ceviche is one of my favorite Peruvian dishes.)
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¿Cuáles son tus mariscos favoritos?
(What are your favorite types of seafood?)
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En esta zona costera, la paella de mariscos es una especialidad muy popular.
(In this coastal area, seafood paella is a very popular specialty.)
How to Order Seafood at Restaurants in Spanish
When ordering seafood at restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries, it's helpful to know some basic phrases:
- "¿Tienen menú de mariscos hoy?" (Do you have a seafood menu today?)
- "Me gustaría probar el plato especial de mariscos." (I would like to try the special seafood dish.)
- "¿Cuál es la receta tradicional de mariscos en su restaurante?" (What is the traditional seafood recipe in your restaurant?)
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The fastest way to grow your Spanish vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
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