helado
/eˈlado/
The Spanish word for ice cream is helado.
The word helado is used to mean ice cream. It can also be used as an adjective to describe anything that is frozen or very cold.
What does it mean word for word?
The word helado is the past participle of the verb helar (to freeze), so it literally means frozen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word nieve is used for both ice cream and sherbet and the word paletas refers to popsicles.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, helado must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, becoming helada for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈlado/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, helado can be used figuratively to describe a person who has suddenly become silent or stunned, as if they were 'frozen' by shock.
- The word helado is a direct linguistic cousin to the English word 'gelatin', as both descend from the same Latin root referring to the state of being frozen or congealed.
- The Spanish verb helar is used not only for ice cream but also to describe the first frost of winter that kills crops.
Examples in context
- ¿Me puede dar un helado, por favor?May I have an ice cream, please?
- Quisiera un helado, por favor.I would like an ice cream, please.
- ¿Podría recomendarme un buen helado?Could you recommend a good ice cream?
- Me gustaría probar su helado especial de la casa.I would like to try your special homemade ice cream.
- ¿Me das un helado, por favor?Can you give me an ice cream, please?
- Quiero un helado, por favor.I want an ice cream, please.
- ¿Cuál es tu sabor favorito de helado?What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
- Vamos a tomar helado.Let's go have some ice cream.
- un helado de chocolateA chocolate ice cream
- Quiero un helado de chocolate.I want a chocolate ice cream.
- ¿Te gusta el helado de fresa?Do you like strawberry ice cream?
- Este helado está muy rico.This ice cream is very delicious.
Example conversation
María and Javier are at an ice cream shop.
- María¿Qué quieres comer, Javier?What do you want to eat, Javier?
- JavierVoy a pedir un helado de vainilla.I am going to order a vanilla ice cream.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo también quiero un helado.Perfect, I want an ice cream too.
- JavierVamos a la caja ahora.Let's go to the counter now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry helado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries helado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
