nieve
“nieve” means “snow” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
snow
📝 In Action
Cayó mucha nieve anoche y no pudimos salir.
A1A lot of snow fell last night and we couldn't go out.
Me encanta el olor a tierra después de que cae la nieve.
A2I love the smell of the earth after the snow falls.
Mi perro juega feliz en la nieve.
A1My dog plays happily in the snow.
ice cream
Also: sorbet
📝 In Action
Vamos por una nieve de mango después de la cena.
A2Let's go for a mango ice cream/sorbet after dinner.
Prefiero la nieve de agua, no la de leche.
B1I prefer water-based ice cream (sorbet), not milk-based.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: nieve
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'nieve' in its regional meaning of 'frozen dessert'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *nix*, which meant 'snow.' It has retained its meaning and form quite closely over the centuries.
First recorded: Old Spanish (likely before the 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'nieve' and 'helado'?
Both can mean 'ice cream.' In most of the Spanish-speaking world (Spain, Argentina, etc.), 'helado' is the universal term for ice cream. In Mexico, 'nieve' is the most common word for ice cream or sorbet. Sometimes, 'nieve' specifically refers to water-based frozen desserts (like sorbet), while 'helado' refers to creamier, milk-based ones.
How do I say 'It snows' using 'nieve'?
You don't! 'Nieve' is the thing (the snow). To describe the action, use the verb 'nevar' (to snow). You would say 'Nieva' (It snows) or 'Está nevando' (It is snowing).