Congelado vs. helado
The Spanish words 'congelado' and 'helado' are both related to the concept of being frozen but are used in different contexts. Understanding their differences can help in using them appropriately.
Congelado
The word 'congelado' means 'frozen' in a general sense, often referring to items kept at freezing temperatures but not necessarily forming ice.
El pollo está congelado.
(The chicken is frozen.)
Las verduras congeladas son convenientes.
(Frozen vegetables are convenient.)
Todos los fondos están congelados hasta nuevo aviso.
(All funds are frozen until further notice.)
Helado
'Helado' primarily means 'ice cream', but it can also refer to something that is frozen and has formed ice, generally used when speaking about food and beverages in a casual context.
Me gusta comer helado de chocolate.
(I like eating chocolate ice cream.)
El lago está helado en invierno.
(The lake is frozen in winter.)
El vaso de agua se dejó demasiado tiempo en el congelador y ahora está helado.
(The glass of water was left too long in the freezer and now it has turned to ice.)
Summary
'Congelado' refers broadly to anything that has been subjected to freezing temperatures, typically without implying the formation of ice. 'Helado', though commonly meaning 'ice cream', can also describe objects or substances that have turned into ice, often used more casually or specifically for food and natural phenomena.