Most Spanish-speakers and learners would recognize the word atún as the translation of the fish tuna, from English. Which is how I also said the word in Spanish. But then I arrived in Puerto Rico and began hearing in Spanish tuna. I had never heard this translation anywhere else, and still believe only Puerto Rico uses it (anyone knows of another country?).
What is TUNA in Spanish? 2 Different Meanings For One Spanish Word
For a Chilean, a Spaniard, or me, hearing tuna will be confusing since tuna has other meanings in Spanish besides the type of fish.
I had learned that tuna is a type of fruit, green, oblong, and with a melon-like consistency on the inside. In English, it is known as prickly pear and comes from a cactus. The spines or thorns are so small you barely notice them, until you try to grab one. Then you feel them all stuck in your hand.
Tuna is also a type of music group, originally from Spain, dressed in traditional student garb, that roamed the streets playing music in exchange for coins or food. Watch a video of a performance of Tuna de Segreles here.
What else does TUNA mean?
Check out these other articles about the Spanish Language.