enfriar
Lemma Details
Translation: to cool; to chill; to refrigerate; to make cold; to cool down
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'to cause to be') and 'frío' (cold), literally meaning 'to make cold'. The root 'frío' comes from Latin 'frigidus', which is related to English words like 'frigid', 'refrigerate', and 'fridge'. The structure parallels other Spanish verbs that transform adjectives into actions, like 'encalmar' (to calm) from 'calma'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think 'en-FREEZE' to remember it means 'to make cold'
- Connect it to 'frigid' in English - both relate to coldness
- Remember 'en' + 'frío' = 'make cold'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in hot climates, the concept of cooling things down is culturally significant. 'Enfriar' is commonly used in cooking contexts, but also metaphorically to describe cooling emotions or relationships.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Enfriar' means 'to cool' while 'enfrentar' means 'to face' or 'to confront'.
Confused word:
Tengo que enfrentar mis miedos.
I have to face my fears.
Notes: Both are regular -ar verbs with the 'en-' prefix, but they have completely different meanings and contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Enfriar' has 'frío' (cold) in it, while 'enfrentar' has 'frente' (front/face) in it.
Explanation: 'Enfriar' means 'to cool' while 'enfrascarse' means 'to become absorbed in' or 'to immerse oneself in'.
Notes: Both start with 'enfr-' but have completely different meanings and usage contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Enfrascarse' sounds like 'flask' - think of being contained/absorbed like in a flask.