patatine
The English word "chips" is translated into Italian as patatine.
The word patatine can refer to thin, crispy potato chips. However, it is often used as part of the phrase patatine fritte to specifically denote hot, deep-fried french fries.
What does it mean word for word?
patatine is the diminutive form of patate (potatoes), and literally means "little potatoes".
Which one should you use?
In many contexts, patatine refers to the crispy potato chips found in bags, whereas the phrase patatine fritte is the standard way to refer to french fries.
Did you know?
- In a playful or affectionate context, Italians might use the diminutive patatina to describe someone cute, similar to calling someone 'sweetie'.
- At an Italian aperitivo, patatine are often served for free in small bowls as a complimentary accompaniment to a drink.
- The word patata is actually a loanword from the Spanish patata, which entered Italian as the New World crop was introduced to Europe.
Examples in context
- Amo le patatine fritte.I love chips.This sentence shows how to express a love for patatine.Tatoeba #7770236 by Guybrush88, translation #7165908 by deniko
- Tom ama le patatine fritte.Tom loves potato chips.This sentence shows how to express that Tom loves patatine.Tatoeba #13454892 by Guybrush88, translation #6710187 by Eccles17
- Amo le patatine col ketchup.I love chips with ketchup.This sentence shows how to describe patatine served with ketchup.Tatoeba #13154187 by Guybrush88, translation #11193439 by sundown
- Mi scusi, avrebbe delle patatine?Excuse me, do you have any chips?
- Passa le patatine fritte, per favore!Pass the chips, please!
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are deciding what to snack on while watching a movie.
- SofiaLorenzo, hai fame?Lorenzo, are you hungry?
- LorenzoSì, vorrei qualcosa di croccante.Yes, I would like something crunchy.
- SofiaMangiamo delle patatine?Shall we eat some chips?
- LorenzoOttima idea, Sofia!Great idea, Sofia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry patatine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
