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What is the Spanish word for milk?

Published in Spanish Vocabulary 2 mins read

The Spanish word for milk is leche.

In Spanish, leche is a feminine noun, which means it is typically preceded by the definite article "la" when referring to "the milk."

Understanding "Leche" in Spanish

The term leche is widely used across all Spanish-speaking regions and is a fundamental part of daily vocabulary.

Spanish Word English Translation Gender Definite Article
Leche Milk Feminine La

Common Usage and Phrases

Beyond its literal meaning as a dairy product, leche is notably versatile in Spanish, appearing in numerous idiomatic expressions. This highlights its integral role in the language, extending beyond just a food item.

Here are a few ways leche is commonly used:

  • To order milk:
    • Quiero un vaso de leche. (I want a glass of milk.)
    • ¿Tienes leche fresca? (Do you have fresh milk?)
  • In common food items:
    • Arroz con leche (Rice pudding)
    • Flan de leche (Milk custard)
  • In expressions:
    • ¡Qué leche! (What luck! / What bad luck!, depending on context)
    • Estar de mala leche (To be in a bad mood / ill-tempered)
    • Ser la leche (To be incredible / amazing, often used hyperbolically)

Understanding the gender and common articles associated with nouns like leche is crucial for correct grammar in Spanish. For further exploration of the word's usage and various definitions, you can consult a reputable Spanish-English dictionary such as WordReference.com.