helado
Lemma Details
Translation: ice cream; frozen dessert; ice; popsicle
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the past participle of the Spanish verb 'helar' (to freeze), which comes from Latin 'gelare' (to freeze). The Latin root 'gel-' is also found in English words like 'gel', 'gelatin', and 'congeal'. The transformation from Latin 'g' to Spanish 'h' is a common phonetic shift in Spanish evolution from Latin.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of being 'hella cold' - 'helado' sounds similar and means something frozen.
- The 'hel-' part sounds like 'gel' which freezes, just like ice cream.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Ice cream is very popular throughout Spanish-speaking countries, with many regions having their own traditional flavors. In Spain and Latin America, 'heladerías' (ice cream shops) are common social gathering places, especially during hot weather. Many Latin American countries have distinctive ice cream traditions, such as Mexican 'nieves' or Argentine 'helado artesanal'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: As an adjective, 'helado' means 'frozen' or 'very cold', while as a noun it means 'ice cream'.
Notes: The same word functions as both a noun and an adjective in Spanish, which can be confusing for English speakers.
Mnemonic: Remember: when 'helado' is used as a noun, it's something you eat; when it's an adjective, it describes something that's frozen or very cold.
Explanation: 'Helado' is ice cream, while 'hielo' is simply ice (frozen water).
Notes: Both words relate to frozen things but have distinct meanings in everyday usage.
Mnemonic: 'Hielo' is just ice, while 'helado' is the delicious treat made with ice.