fresca
/FRES-kah/
fresh
When describing something newly made or clean, like a piece of fruit, we use fresca (fresh).
fresca(Adjective)
fresh
?newly made, clean
,cool
?temperature
chilled
?food or drink
,crisp
?air or vegetables
📝 In Action
La lechuga está muy fresca; la acabo de comprar.
A1The lettuce is very fresh; I just bought it.
Me encanta el clima cuando la brisa es fresca.
A2I love the weather when the breeze is cool.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'fresca' describes a feminine word (like 'la comida' or 'la mañana'), it must end in '-a'. If the word were masculine (like 'el aire'), you would use 'fresco'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cool vs. Cold
'Fresca' means pleasantly cool, like a nice breeze. For truly cold, uncomfortable temperatures, use 'fría'.
Fresca can describe someone who is sassy or impertinent, like a cheeky child.
fresca(Adjective)
cheeky
?sassy, impertinent
,insolent
?rude or disrespectful
bold
?overly confident in a negative way
📝 In Action
No seas tan fresca y pide disculpas a tu madre.
B2Don't be so cheeky and apologize to your mother.
Me contestó de una manera muy fresca, como si no le importara.
C1She answered me in a very sassy way, as if she didn't care.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Meanings
Mistake: "Using '¡Qué fresca eres!' to mean 'How cool you are!' in a positive way."
Correction: This usually implies you are calling someone rude or sassy. Use '¡Qué guay!' or '¡Qué chevere!' for positive 'coolness'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Warning
Use this meaning carefully. It is almost always used to criticize or scold someone for being disrespectful or overly familiar.
In some regions, fresca is used as a noun to mean 'soda' or 'soft drink.'
📝 In Action
Pásame una fresca, por favor, tengo mucha sed.
B1Hand me a soda, please, I'm very thirsty.
¿Qué tipo de frescas tienen?
B1What kind of soft drinks do you have?
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Feminine Noun
This is a shorthand way of saying 'bebida fresca' (fresh drink). It is common in certain countries, but in Spain or the Southern Cone, you should use 'refresco' or 'gaseosa'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fresca
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'fresca' to describe a person's behavior?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'fresca' and 'fría'?
Both mean cool/cold, but 'fresca' is milder and more positive. Think 'cool and refreshing.' 'Fría' means simply 'cold,' which can be unpleasantly cold or just very chilled.
Can I use 'fresco' to call a man cheeky?
Yes, absolutely! The figurative meaning of 'cheeky' applies to both men and women. If you are describing a man, you must change the ending to the masculine form: 'Él es muy fresco' (He is very cheeky).