Lael logo

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

📅 Published: January 10, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

nieve

noun • /[NYE-be]/

snow

Example:

La nieve cubre las montañas.

Snow covers the mountains.

🧠 What does nieve mean?

Nieve is a feminine noun that refers to the atmospheric phenomenon of frozen precipitation in the form of ice crystals. It can describe both the falling snow and the accumulation of it on the ground. In some regions, notably Mexico, 'nieve' is also the common word for ice cream or sorbet.

📚 Extra examples

  • Las montañas estaban cubiertas de nieve blanca y pura.
    The mountains were covered in pure white snow.
  • Anunciaron una fuerte caída de nieve para el fin de semana.
    They announced a heavy snowfall for the weekend.
  • En el viaje a México, probé una nieve de mango deliciosa.
    On the trip to Mexico, I tried a delicious mango sorbet.
  • A los niños les encanta hacer muñecos de nieve cuando nieva.
    Children love to make snowmen when it snows.

💡 Did You Know?

In Mexico, 'nieve' is the common word for sorbet or ice cream, especially the water-based kind. While in Spain 'helado' is used for all types of ice cream, asking for 'nieve' in Mexico will get you a delicious frozen treat.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "nieve"

Synonyms: nevada, nevasca
Opposites: lluvia, sol

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'snow' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'snow' is 'nieve'.
How do you pronounce 'nieve' in Spanish?
The word 'nieve' is pronounced 'nyeh-beh'. It has two syllables, with the emphasis on the first syllable, 'nie-'.
How do you use 'nieve' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'La nieve comenzó a caer durante la noche.' This means 'The snow started to fall during the night.'
What is the English translation of 'nieve'?
The English translation of 'nieve' is 'snow'.
Does 'nieve' change for gender or number?
'Nieve' is a feminine noun, so it is used with feminine articles like 'la' or 'una'. As an uncountable noun, it is almost always used in the singular. The plural form, 'nieves', is rare for the weather phenomenon but common when referring to different types of sorbets or ice creams.
Is 'nieve' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'nieve' is a fundamental word, especially in regions that experience winter. It is also very common in countries like Mexico where it is the standard term for ice cream or sorbet.
Does 'nieve' have slang or double meanings?
Yes. Beyond 'snow', its most common secondary meaning is 'ice cream' or 'sorbet' in Mexico and parts of Central America. In some slang contexts, similar to English, 'nieve' can be a term for cocaine.
Is 'nieve' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'snow' is universal. The main regional difference is its use for frozen desserts. In Mexico, 'nieve' is the common word for ice cream/sorbet, while in Spain and most of South America, the word 'helado' is used exclusively.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store