paleta
“paleta” means “popsicle” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
popsicle
Also: lollipop, ice pop
📝 In Action
Hace mucho calor, quiero una paleta de limón.
A1It's very hot, I want a lemon popsicle.
El niño está comiendo una paleta de dulce.
A1The boy is eating a lollipop.
Venden paletas de frutas naturales en esa tienda.
A2They sell natural fruit ice pops in 그 shop.
palette
Also: trowel, racket
📝 In Action
El pintor mezcló el azul y el blanco en su paleta.
B1The painter mixed blue and white on his palette.
El albañil usa la paleta para poner el cemento.
B2The bricklayer uses the trowel to put the cement.
Necesito una paleta nueva para jugar al ping-pong.
B1I need a new paddle to play ping-pong.
shoulder blade
Also: pork shoulder
📝 In Action
Me duele la paleta derecha después de cargar esas bolsas.
C1My right shoulder blade hurts after carrying those bags.
Compramos una paleta ibérica para la cena de Navidad.
C2We bought an Iberian pork shoulder for Christmas dinner.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "paleta" in Spanish:
ice pop→lollipop→palette→popsicle→pork shoulder→racket→shoulder blade→trowel→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: paleta
Question 1 of 3
If you are in a Mexican park and want a frozen treat on a stick, what do you ask for?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish word 'pala' (meaning shovel or spade), combined with the smallness marker '-eta'. It literally means 'little shovel', describing its flat shape.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'paleta' the same as 'palet'?
No. A 'palet' (or 'pallet' in English) is the heavy wooden platform used for shipping goods. In Spanish, that is usually called a 'palé'.
Can I use 'paleta' for a tennis racket?
Usually no. For tennis, use 'raqueta'. 'Paleta' is used for smaller, solid paddles like those in ping-pong or beach paddleball.
What is the difference between 'paleta' and 'jamón'?
In the context of Spanish cured meats, 'jamón' comes from the back leg of the pig, while 'paleta' (or 'paletilla') comes from the front leg. The 'paleta' is usually smaller and cures faster.