Inklingo

How to Say "ice-cold" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ice-cold” is “congelado” — use 'congelado' when referring to a person or object that is literally frozen solid, like food that needs to thaw..

English → Spanish

congelado

/kohn-heh-LAH-doh//koŋxeˈlaðo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'congelado' when referring to a person or object that is literally frozen solid, like food that needs to thaw.
A single, clear ice cube with a small blue leaf trapped inside it, sitting on a plain white surface.

Examples

El agua en el exterior está congelada.

The water outside is ice-cold/frozen.

El pollo está congelado, tenemos que esperar.

The chicken is frozen; we have to wait.

Tengo los pies congelados por la nieve.

My feet are ice-cold because of the snow.

Matching the word to the item

This word changes its ending to 'congelada' if you are describing something feminine, like 'la carne' (the meat).

Using it for people

Mistake: “Soy congelado.”

Correction: Estoy congelado.

helada

/eh-LAH-dah//eˈlaða/

adjectiveA2informal
Use 'helada' specifically for drinks or food that are served extremely cold, like an ice-cold beer.
A glass of water with several ice cubes inside and condensation on the outside.

Examples

Quiero una cerveza bien helada, por favor.

I want a very ice-cold beer, please.

Me gusta la cerveza bien helada.

I like my beer very ice-cold.

Tengo la mano helada por la nieve.

My hand is freezing cold because of the snow.

The 'Matching' Rule

This version of the word is only used for feminine things (like 'la sopa' or 'la mano'). For masculine things, use 'helado'.

Watch the ending

Mistake: “El refresco está helada.”

Correction: El refresco está helado. (Since 'refresco' is a masculine word, the ending must change to -o).

Congelado vs. Helada

The most common mistake is using 'congelado' for drinks. Remember that 'congelado' means frozen solid, while 'helada' is used for things that are refreshingly, intensely cold, especially beverages.

Related Translations

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