patatine
In Italian, the phrase for crisps is patatine.
patatine is used to refer to thin slices of potato that have been fried or baked until crunchy.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is the diminutive form of patate (potatoes), so it literally means little potatoes.
Which one should you use?
The term patatine fritte can mean potato crisps, but it is the standard term for French fries in many contexts. In contrast, patatine alone often refers specifically to the crunchy snack found in a bag.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is Una patatina (a crisp), and the plural form is Le patatine (the crisps).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use patatine fritte to mean both crisps and French fries, but in Italy, patatine alone often refers to the crunchy snack in a bag.
Did you know?
- The word patatina is sometimes used as a term of endearment for a child or a loved one, similar to calling someone 'sweetie'.
- The root word patata is a loanword from the Spanish patata, which originally came from the Taíno word batata.
- In Italy, you will often see patatine served as a side dish in a conical paper sleeve called a cuoppo when eating street food.
Examples in context
- Tom ama le patatine fritte.Tom loves potato crisps.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use patatine in a sentence about food preferences.Tatoeba #13454892 by Guybrush88, translation #7256563 by deniko
- Mi piacciono le patatine fritte.I like potato crisps.This sentence shows how to express a like for patatine.Tatoeba #6609492 by Guybrush88, translation #11459402 by Topkek
- Le patatine fritte sono le mie preferite.Potato crisps are my favourite.This sentence demonstrates how to identify patatine as a favourite.Tatoeba #13454917 by Guybrush88, translation #7246331 by deniko
- Mi scusi, potrebbe portarmi una patatina?Excuse me, could you bring me a crisp?
- le patatine al saleSalted crisps
- le chips di patate piccantiSpicy crisps
- vorrei un pacchetto di patatine, per favoreI would like a packet of crisps, please
- ho preparato un assortimento di patatine diverseI've prepared an assortment of different crisps
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a movie at home.
- SofiaHai preso le patatine?Did you get the crisps?
- LorenzoSì, sono nel sacchetto.Yes, they are in the bag.
- SofiaGrazie, Lorenzo!Thanks, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoPrego, Sofia.You're welcome, Sofia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry patatine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
