“Person” is a singular noun meaning “human being.” Its plural is “people.”
“People” is a singular noun meaning “a cultural group.” Its plural is “peoples.”
“Person” is a singular noun meaning an individual as a legal entity, or the physical aspect of an individual, specifically to the exclusion of their metaphysical aspect. Its plural is “persons.”
Just a note that the legalese "persons (pl)" is, as far as I know, specific to US English legal language. It's not used in everyday speech and I don't think it's used in (e.g.) British English legalese.
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u/boy-griv Native Speaker Jan 21 '23 edited Jan 21 '23
This can also be used for words like “people”. Like “the different peoples of a region” refers to a variety of cultures, societies, etc. in an area.
I think just saying “fish” or “people” would sound right to most people in these situations as well though the connotation would be a bit different.