πατατάκια
patatakia
The English phrase chips is translated into Greek as πατατάκια (patatakia).
πατατάκια refers specifically to thin slices of potato that are fried or baked until crunchy and sold in bags.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive form of πατάτα (potato), so it literally translates to little potatoes.
Which one should you use?
While πατατάκια refers specifically to crunchy potato chips in a bag, the word πατάτες is used for both whole potatoes and fried potato wedges or french fries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is πατατάκι.
How do you pronounce it?
patatakia
Did you know?
- While πατατάκια refers to the chips, the word πατάτα is a loanword that entered Greek via the Italian 'patata'.
- Because πατατάκια is a neuter plural noun, it follows different agreement rules than πατάτες, which is feminine.
- Greek speakers use the diminutive suffix -άκια not just to describe size, but to categorize the processed nature of the snack versus the whole vegetable.
Examples in context
- Τα πατατάκια δεν είναι καλά για σένα.Potato chips aren't good for you.This sentence shows how to use πατατάκια when discussing health.Tatoeba #3805252 by glavkos, translation #9449279 by Nylez
- Μπορώ να παραγγείλω ένα πιάτο με πατάτες τηγανητές, παρακαλώ;May I order a plate of chips, please?
- Αυτά τα πατατάκια είναι πολύ αλμυρά.Afta ta patatakia einai poly almira.These chips are very salty.
- Θέλεις να αγοράσουμε μια σακούλα πατατάκια;Theleis na agorasoume mia sakoula patatakia;Do you want to buy a bag of chips?
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are at a supermarket.
- Κώστας KostasΜαρία, πάρε μερικά πατατάκια για την ταινία.María, páre meriká patatákia gia tin tainía.Maria, get some chips for the movie.
- Μαρία MariaΠοια πατατάκια προτιμάς, Κώστα;Poia patatákia protimás, Kósta?Which chips do you prefer, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΠάρε αυτά με τη γεύση τρούμπας.Páre aftá me ti gfísi troúmbas.Get those with the cheese flavor.
- Μαρία MariaΕντάξει, τα βάζω στο καλάθι.Entáxei, ta vázo sto kaláthi.Okay, I'm putting them in the basket.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
