The verb "congelar" is primarily used in the context of lowering the temperature of a substance (especially food) to a level where it becomes solid or frozen. It can also refer metaphorically to suspending progress or activity in various contexts. The word is commonly used in both spoken and written Spanish but may appear more frequently in written contexts, especially in culinary or scientific discussions.
Es importante congelar los alimentos para preservar su frescura.
It is important to freeze food to preserve its freshness.
Decidí congelar mis cuentas bancarias hasta que la situación mejore.
I decided to freeze my bank accounts until the situation improves.
Si quieres hacer helado, primero debes congelar la mezcla.
If you want to make ice cream, you must first freeze the mixture.
While "congelar" might not be part of many established idiomatic expressions in Spanish, it can be found in phrases and metaphors related to freezing in a figurative sense, particularly in discussions about suspending or halting something.
Congelar el tiempo
This phrase means to "freeze time," often used to express a desire to stop time in a particular moment.
Quisiera congelar el tiempo en el instante en que estamos juntos.
I would like to freeze time in the moment we are together.
Congelar los activos
This phrase refers to "freezing assets," commonly used in legal or financial contexts.
El juez decidió congelar los activos del acusado durante la investigación.
The judge decided to freeze the defendant's assets during the investigation.
Congelar las negociaciones
This phrase means "to freeze negotiations," indicating that discussions have been put on hold.
Debido a las diferencias, decidimos congelar las negociaciones por el momento.
Due to the differences, we decided to freeze negotiations for the time being.
The word "congelar" comes from the prefix "con-" which means "together" or "with," combined with "gelar," which is derived from Latin "gelare," meaning "to freeze or congeal." It has evolved through Romance languages maintaining the core meaning related to freezing or solidifying.
Congelar (to abide by in a more formal context in economics)
Antonyms:
This comprehensive exploration of "congelar" highlights its usage, contextual importance, and broader linguistic connections in the Spanish language.