patatas fritas
/patatas fɾitas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "chips" is translated into Spanish as patatas fritas.
This phrase refers to thin slices of potato that have been deep-fried or baked until crunchy. Depending on the country or the context, it can also refer to hot french fries.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of patatas (potatoes) and fritas (fried).
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking contexts, patatas fritas can mean either crunchy potato chips or hot french fries. In most of Latin America, speakers use papas fritas instead of patatas fritas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, Totopos is the term used for tortilla chips. In South American countries like Ecuador and Peru, Chifles refers specifically to chips made from thinly sliced and fried green plantains.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single chip or fry, use the singular form patata frita.
How do you pronounce it?
/patatas fɾitas/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word papa is a loanword from the Quechua language of the Andes, where the potato was first domesticated.
- In certain Latin American contexts, papas can be used colloquially to refer to something that is very easy to achieve, similar to the English 'piece of cake'.
- In Spain, patatas fritas are often served in a bowl with a generous dollop of alioli (garlic mayonnaise) rather than ketchup.
Examples in context
- Tom ofreció patatas fritas a Mary y John.Tom offered Mary and John some potato chips.This sentence shows how to offer patatas fritas to others.Tatoeba #5799431 by arh, translation #2892352 by CK
- El aprendiz de marinero, sentado en un taburete de un bar, pidió una cerveza mientras esperaba por su cesta de pescado y patatas fritas.The seaman apprentice, sitting on a stool in a bar, ordered a beer while waiting for his basket of fish and chips.This sentence describes a person ordering a beer and a basket containing fish and patatas fritas.Tatoeba #5903118 by albrusgher, translation #4465016 by LB
- Por favor, ¿me podría traer unas papas fritas?Excuse me, could you bring me some chips, please?
- ¿Quieres compartir unas patatitas?Do you want to share some chips?
- ¿Me recomiendas algún lugar para probar chifles?Can you recommend a place to try some plantain chips?
- ¡Vamos a comprar totopos para disfrutar con salsa y guacamole!Let's buy some tortilla chips to enjoy with salsa and guacamole!
- Compré un paquete de patatas fritas para la fiesta.I bought a bag of chips for the party.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are deciding on a snack at home.
- Lucía¿Quieres comer unas patatas fritas?Do you want to eat some chips?
- MateoSí, me encantan las patatas fritas.Yes, I love chips.
- LucíaTengo unas de sabor salado.I have some salted ones.
- MateoPerfecto, gracias Lucía.Perfect, thanks Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
