"Helada" is a feminine noun in Spanish that refers to a freeze or frost. It can also be used to describe frozen food. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in geographical contexts or when discussing freezing temperatures.
Examples
El jardín quedó cubierto de helada durante la noche. (The garden was covered in frost overnight.)
Vamos a tener una helada esta noche, hay que cubrir las plantas. (We are going to have a freeze tonight, we need to cover the plants.)
¿Quieres un helado? Sí, tengo varios sabores en el congelador. (Do you want ice cream? Yes, I have several flavors in the freezer.)
Idiomatic Expressions
Llegar como una helada (To arrive suddenly or unexpectedly)
La noticia de su despido llegó como una helada. (The news of his dismissal came like a bolt from the blue.)
Pasar una helada (To experience a moment of fear or anxiety)
Me pasó una helada cuando vi el resultado del examen. (I had a moment of fear when I saw the exam results.)
Quedarse helado/a (To be shocked or stunned)
Me quedé helado cuando me enteré de la noticia. (I was shocked when I heard the news.)
Etymology
The word "helada" comes directly from the Latin "gelāta," which means frozen or cold.