Inklingo

How to Say "refrigerator" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nevera

neh-VEH-rah/neˈβeɾa/

nounA1informal
Use 'nevera' for the common kitchen appliance in informal, everyday conversations, particularly in Spain.
A tall, simple, white kitchen refrigerator appliance with a single door and handle.

Examples

Guarda la leche en la nevera para que no se ponga mala.

Store the milk in the fridge so it doesn't go bad.

Necesitamos comprar una nevera más grande para la cocina.

We need to buy a bigger refrigerator for the kitchen.

Mi nevera está vacía, ¡tengo que ir al supermercado!

My fridge is empty, I have to go to the supermarket!

Gender Check

Remember that 'nevera' is a feminine word, so you must always use 'la nevera' (the fridge) or 'una nevera' (a fridge).

Confusing Terms

Mistake: “Using 'nevera' when you mean 'congelador'.”

Correction: 'Nevera' is the cold section (fridge), but 'congelador' is the freezing section (freezer). They are not the same thing.

refrigerador

reh-free-heh-rah-DOR/re.fɾi.xe.ɾaˈðoɾ/

nounA1
Use 'refrigerador' for the kitchen appliance, which is a more formal term and also common in many Latin American countries.
A tall, white, closed two-door refrigerator appliance standing in a clean, simple kitchen setting, drawn in a storybook style.

Examples

¿Puedes poner estas verduras en el refrigerador, por favor?

Can you put these vegetables in the refrigerator, please?

El refrigerador está haciendo un ruido extraño, creo que se está dañando.

The fridge is making a strange noise, I think it's breaking down.

Compramos un refrigerador nuevo con dispensador de hielo.

We bought a new refrigerator with an ice dispenser.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'refrigerador' ends in -dor, it is a masculine word. Always use the masculine articles 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it.

Confusing Cooling and Freezing

Mistake: “Using 'refrigerador' to refer to the freezer section.”

Correction: The *refrigerador* is the main cooling unit. The part that freezes food solid is called *el congelador* (the freezer).

Choosing Between 'nevera' and 'refrigerador'

The most common confusion is when to use 'nevera' versus 'refrigerador'. While both are understood, 'nevera' is the more frequent and casual choice in Spain. In Latin America, 'refrigerador' is very common, but 'nevera' is also understood. If in doubt, 'refrigerador' is a safe, slightly more formal option, while 'nevera' feels more like 'fridge'.

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