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How to Say "popsicle" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “popsicle” is “paleta” — use 'paleta' for a frozen treat on a stick, it is the most common and widely understood term across Spanish-speaking regions.

English → Spanish

paleta

pah-LEH-tahpaˈleta

nounA1general
Use 'paleta' for a frozen treat on a stick, it is the most common and widely understood term across Spanish-speaking regions.
A colorful fruit popsicle on a wooden stick with small water droplets on its surface.

Examples

Me apetece una paleta de mango para refrescarme.

I feel like a mango popsicle to cool down.

Hace mucho calor, quiero una paleta de limón.

It's very hot, I want a lemon popsicle.

El niño está comiendo una paleta de dulce.

The boy is eating a lollipop.

Venden paletas de frutas naturales en esa tienda.

They sell natural fruit ice pops in 그 shop.

Gender Check

Since it ends in '-a', it's almost always feminine: 'la paleta' or 'una paleta'.

Popsicle vs. Ice Cream

Mistake: “Using 'helado' for a popsicle.”

Correction: Use 'helado' for scooped ice cream in a cone or bowl, and 'paleta' for anything on a stick.

polo

POH-lohˈpo.lo

nounA1general
Use 'polo' for a frozen dessert on a stick, this term is more common in Spain and some parts of Latin America.
A bright orange, rectangular popsicle held by a wooden stick.

Examples

Los niños disfrutan de un polo de limón en el parque.

The children enjoy a lemon popsicle in the park.

Los niños pidieron un polo de fresa después de jugar.

The children asked for a strawberry popsicle after playing.

Este polo de naranja está muy refrescante.

This orange ice pop is very refreshing.

Paleta vs. Polo

The most common mistake is assuming 'polo' is universally understood. While it's correct in Spain and some Latin American countries, 'paleta' is the safer, more widespread choice to ensure everyone knows you mean a popsicle.

Related Translations

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