nevera
/neh-VEH-rah/
refrigerator
The word "nevera" often refers to the common kitchen appliance used to keep food cold: the refrigerator.
📝 In Action
Guarda la leche en la nevera para que no se ponga mala.
A1Store the milk in the fridge so it doesn't go bad.
Necesitamos comprar una nevera más grande para la cocina.
A2We need to buy a bigger refrigerator for the kitchen.
Mi nevera está vacía, ¡tengo que ir al supermercado!
A1My fridge is empty, I have to go to the supermarket!
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'nevera' is a feminine word, so you must always use 'la nevera' (the fridge) or 'una nevera' (a fridge).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Terms
Mistake: "Using 'nevera' when you mean 'congelador'."
Correction: 'Nevera' is the cold section (fridge), but 'congelador' is the freezing section (freezer). They are not the same thing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Use
'Nevera' is understood everywhere, but in many parts of Latin America, you will hear 'refrigerador' or the short form 'refri' more often.
When portable, a "nevera" is a cooler, perfect for keeping drinks cold at a picnic.
📝 In Action
Llenamos la nevera con hielo y refrescos para ir a la playa.
B1We filled the cooler with ice and sodas to go to the beach.
La nevera portátil mantuvo nuestra comida fresca todo el día.
B2The portable icebox kept our food fresh all day.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If you hear 'nevera' used with words like 'picnic,' 'playa' (beach), or 'camping,' it almost certainly means the portable cooler, not the kitchen appliance.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: nevera
Question 1 of 2
If someone asks you to 'poner las cervezas en la nevera' before a road trip, what are they most likely referring to?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'nevera' and 'frigorífico'?
They mean the exact same thing: the kitchen refrigerator. 'Nevera' is common throughout the Spanish-speaking world, while 'frigorífico' is especially popular in Spain.
How do I say 'freezer' in Spanish?
The word for the freezer (the part that freezes food solid) is 'congelador.' It's important to keep it separate from 'nevera' (the fridge).