leche
/ˈlet͡ʃe/feminine
The English word "milk" is translated into Spanish as leche. Wiktionary also lists milk.
Meaning: liquid (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| leche | /ˈlet͡ʃe/ | feminine |
| milk | /milk/ (from spelling rules) | Spain, feminine |
The primary meaning of leche is the liquid noun. It can also be used in various colloquial expressions in Spain to denote luck or a sudden event, such as ¡Qué leche!
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the form milk is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because leche is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article la when referring to it, as in la leche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈletʃe/
When do people say it?
In Spain, the word leche is used in various colloquial expressions to denote luck or a sudden event, though its meaning changes depending on the context.
Did you know?
- If someone in Spain says they have mala leche, they aren't talking about spoiled milk but are describing a bad temper or malice.
- In some Spanish dialects, leche is used as a slang term for speed, as in ir a toda leche meaning to go very fast.
- In some contexts, the phrase dar leche can be a very vulgar or aggressive way to describe hitting someone, moving far away from the literal meaning of 'giving milk'.
Examples in context
- La leche se cortó.The milk went sour.This sentence is useful for describing the milk becoming sour using leche.Tatoeba #1362241 by leoruilova, translation #32226 by CK
- Me gusta la leche.I like milk.This sentence shows how to express a preference for milk using leche.Tatoeba #4482712 by cueyayotl, translation #3822435 by CK
- El mío, con leche.Mine, with milk.This sentence demonstrates how to request a drink with milk using leche.Tatoeba #7468948 by arh, translation #10274027 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Por favor, tráigame un vaso de leche.Please bring me a glass of milk.
- Prefiero el té con leche.I prefer tea with milk.
- Marta, ¿me pasas la lechita?Marta, can you pass me the milk?
- ¡Qué rico está este café con lechecita!This coffee with milk is delicious!
- 476 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is in the kitchen in the morning.
- Elena¿Hay leche para el cereal, Daniel?Is there milk for the cereal, Daniel?
- DanielNo, Elena, no queda nada.No, Elena, there is none left.
- ElenaEntonces tengo que ir a la tienda.Then I have to go to the store.
- DanielYo puedo ir si quieres.I can go if you want.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “milk” translations and entries leche, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
