물고기 vs 생선: What’s the difference?
물고기·생선
물고기fish
A 물고기 is a fish, an animal that lives in water. You can use this word for fish in rivers, lakes, the sea, or a fish tank. People also use it in daily life when talking about pets, food, or animals they see.
How to say fish
생선fish
생선 means “fish” as food. You use it when talking about buying, cooking, or eating fish. For a live fish in water, Korean often uses a different word, but 생선 is the right word for meals and shopping.
How to say fishThe difference
물고기 usually means a live fish or fish in nature, like in a river or aquarium. Use it when talking about the animal, not food on the table.
