bolsa de hielo
/ˌbolsa de ˈʝelo/feminine
The English phrase "ice pack" can be translated into Spanish as bolsa de hielo. Wiktionary also lists bolsa de gel.
Meaning: plastic sac of silicone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bolsa de hielo | /ˌbolsa de ˈʝelo/ | feminine |
| bolsa de gel | /bolsa de xel/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
You can use bolsa de hielo to describe a bag containing actual ice cubes, or bolsa de gel when referring specifically to reusable silicone-based gel packs.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bolsa de hielo is literally "bag of ice".
Which one should you use?
Bolsa de gel is used specifically for reusable packs filled with gel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Colombia, the term compresa fría is used to refer to an ice pack.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form, change bolsa to bolsas, resulting in bolsas de hielo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbolsa de ˈʝelo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word hielo and the English word 'gel' share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *gel-, meaning 'cold'.
- In some regions, if you ask for a bolsa de hielo at a convenience store, you will receive a large bag of ice cubes for a cooler rather than a medical pack.
- While bolsa de hielo is common, some Spanish speakers use the word compresa for any medical pad, regardless of whether it is hot or cold.
Examples in context
- Pon la bolsa de hielo sobre tu tobillo.Put the ice pack on your ankle.
- Necesito una bolsa de hielo para mi tobillo.I need an ice pack for my ankle.
- ¿Tienes una bolsa de hielo en el congelador?Do you have an ice pack in the freezer?
- Pon la bolsa de hielo sobre la inflamación.Put the ice pack on the swelling.
Example conversation
Lucía is helping Mateo with an injury in the living room.
- MateoMe duele mucho la rodilla, Lucía.My knee hurts a lot, Lucía.
- LucíaTranquilo, te traeré una bolsa de hielo.Don't worry, I will bring you an ice pack.
- MateoGracias, me vendría muy bien.Thanks, it would be very helpful for me.
- LucíaAquí tienes la bolsa de hielo para tu rodilla.Here is the ice pack for your knee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ice pack” translations and entries bolsa de hielo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolsa, de, gel, hielo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
