helado
/eˈlado/
The Spanish word for icy is helado.
The word helado is used to describe something that is extremely cold or frigid. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, it also functions as a noun meaning 'ice cream'.
Meaning: extremely cold, frigid (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word gélido is a more formal or literary synonym for extremely cold or icy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective helado must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use helada for feminine nouns, helados for masculine plural nouns and heladas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈlado/
Did you know?
- While helado is used for physical cold, Spanish speakers use the phrase quedarse helado to describe being frozen in shock or fear.
- The English word 'gelato' is a direct relative of the Spanish helado, as both stem from the Latin 'gelātus'.
- In Spanish, the word helada can refer to a killing frost that destroys crops, not just a cold temperature.
Examples in context
- Me duele la cabeza por el aire helado.My head hurts because of the icy air.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are getting ready to go outside in winter.
- María¿Tienes frío con esa chaqueta?Are you cold in that jacket?
- DanielSí, el viento está helado hoy.Yes, the wind is icy today.
- MaríaDeberías ponerte un abrigo más grueso.You should put on a thicker coat.
- DanielTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
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.
