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leche means milk — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 23, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

leche

noun • /[LEH-cheh]/

milk

Example:

La leche está fría.

The milk is cold.

🧠 What does leche mean?

Leche is a common noun referring to milk, the white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals, especially cows, goats, and sheep, used as food for humans and as a base for dairy products. It is a fundamental part of many diets and cuisines worldwide, including in Spanish-speaking countries, where it is consumed directly or used in beverages, cooking, and baking. The word is feminine in gender.

📚 Extra examples

  • Prefiero tomar café con leche por la mañana.
    I prefer to drink coffee with milk in the morning.
  • Necesitamos comprar más leche para hacer el pastel.
    We need to buy more milk to make the cake.
  • Los niños pequeños necesitan beber leche para crecer fuertes.
    Young children need to drink milk to grow strong.
  • La leche de almendras es una alternativa popular a la leche de vaca.
    Almond milk is a popular alternative to cow's milk.
  • Me encanta el sabor de las natillas hechas con leche fresca.
    I love the taste of custard made with fresh milk.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'leche' comes from the Latin word 'lac', which also gave rise to the English word 'lactate' and related terms.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "leche"

Synonyms: líquido lácteo

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'milk' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'milk' is leche.
How do you pronounce 'leche' in Spanish?
Leche is pronounced roughly as 'LEH-cheh'. The 'ch' sound is similar to the 'ch' in 'chair'.
How do you use 'leche' in a sentence?
'Leche' is used like the English word 'milk'. For example, 'Quiero un vaso de leche' (I want a glass of milk) or 'El cereal se sirve con leche' (Cereal is served with milk).
What is the English translation of 'leche'?
The English translation of 'leche' is 'milk'.
Does 'leche' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'leche' is a feminine noun. While the word itself does not change, articles and adjectives used with it must agree in gender and number. For example, 'la leche' (the milk), 'mucha leche' (a lot of milk).
Is 'leche' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'leche' is a very common and essential word used in daily life throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Does 'leche' have slang or double meanings?
In some regions, 'leche' can be used in slang, often in a vulgar context, but its primary and most common meaning is 'milk'. Learners should be aware of the context when encountering the word.
Is 'leche' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'leche' as milk is consistent across Spain and Latin America. However, as mentioned, slang or idiomatic uses might vary regionally.

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