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How to Say "ice" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ice” is “hielo” — use 'hielo' when referring to frozen water in its solid state, such as ice cubes, ice packs, or ice in nature..

English → Spanish

hielo

YAY-loh/ˈje.lo/

nounA1general
Use 'hielo' when referring to frozen water in its solid state, such as ice cubes, ice packs, or ice in nature.
A large, translucent cube of solid ice sitting on a cold blue surface, illustrating frozen water.

Examples

Por favor, pon un poco de hielo en mi limonada.

Please put some ice in my lemonade.

El suelo está resbaladizo porque hay una capa de hielo.

The ground is slippery because there is a layer of ice.

Compramos una bolsa de hielo para la fiesta.

We bought a bag of ice for the party.

Always Masculine

'Hielo' is always treated as a masculine word, even though it begins with the 'a' sound. Use 'el hielo' or 'un hielo'.

Confusing 'Hielo' and 'Nieve'

Mistake: “Using 'hielo' when you mean 'nieve' (snow).”

Correction: 'Hielo' is hard, clear frozen water (like in a drink). 'Nieve' is soft, white frozen flakes falling from the sky.

rocas

/ROH-kas//ˈro.kas/

nounB1informal
Use 'rocas' specifically to refer to ice cubes served in alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
A simple storybook illustration of a clear glass holding a golden beverage with four large, square ice cubes floating near the rim.

Examples

¿Quieres tu bebida con rocas o sin ellas?

Do you want your drink with ice cubes or without them?

Pídeme un whisky en las rocas, por favor.

Order me a whiskey on the rocks, please.

Figurative Use

This meaning uses 'rocas' because ice cubes are solid like small stones. You will almost always hear this meaning when talking about alcohol.

Hielo vs. Rocas in Drinks

Learners often use 'hielo' when ordering drinks, but 'rocas' is the more specific and common term for ice cubes in beverages. While 'hielo' is understood, using 'rocas' sounds more natural in bar and restaurant settings.

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