paleta
/paˈleta/
The English phrase "ice pop" is translated into Spanish as paleta.
paleta refers to a frozen snack made of flavored ice on a stick. Depending on the specific context and region, this term can also describe a creamy popsicle or even a small lollipop.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, especially Mexico, people use paleta to refer to ice pops.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of paleta is paletas.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈleta/
Did you know?
- The word paleta comes from the diminutive form of pala, which means 'shovel' or 'spade'.
- In Mexico, paletas are often sold from traditional street carts and can contain large chunks of fresh fruit or nuts embedded in the ice.
- While paleta is common in Mexico, people in Spain are more likely to use the word polo to describe a frozen ice pop.
Examples in context
- ¿Me puedes pasar una paleta helada, por favor?Can you pass me an ice pop, please?
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar paletas heladas en esta ciudad?Where can I buy ice pops in this city?
- Ayer disfruté de una deliciosa paleta helada de fresa.Yesterday, I enjoyed a delicious strawberry ice pop.
- ¿Has probado las paletas de frutas naturales? Son deliciosas.Have you tried the natural fruit ice pops? They're delicious.
- Me gusta la paleta de fresa.I like the strawberry ice pop.
- Me gusta comer una paleta de limón.I like eating a lemon ice pop.
- ¿Quieres comprar una paleta de fresa?Do you want to buy a strawberry ice pop?
- Esa paleta de mango está muy fría.That mango ice pop is very cold.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a park on a hot day.
- ElenaHace mucho calor hoy, ¿verdad?It is very hot today, right?
- AlejandroSí, necesito una paleta para refrescarme.Yes, I need an ice pop to cool down.
- ElenaYo también, ¿compramos una paleta de uva?Me too, shall we buy a grape ice pop?
- Alejandro¡Buena idea, vamos al puesto!Good idea, let's go to the stand!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paleta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paleta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
