papas fritas picantes
/papas fɾitas pikantes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "hot fries" is translated as papas fritas picantes.
This phrase refers specifically to French fries that have been seasoned with spices or spicy peppers to create a heat sensation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of papas (potatoes), fritas (fried) and picantes (spicy/hot).
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between types of heat. Use picantes when you mean the heat from peppers or spices. If you only mean that the fries are physically hot in temperature, use papas fritas calientes instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you should use patatas fritas picantes instead of papas fritas picantes, as patatas is the term used for potatoes in that region.
Did you know?
- The word picante is derived from the Spanish verb picar, which also means 'to sting' or 'to peck', much like a bird's beak.
- In many Spanish speaking countries, papas is used for both potatoes and potato chips, meaning papas fritas picantes could refer to spicy bagged chips rather than restaurant fries.
- Depending on the country, papas fritas can be served as a side dish or as a main meal called papas bravas, which are a specific type of spicy potato dish from Spain.
Examples in context
- ¡Quiero unas papas fritas calientes!I want some hot fries!
- ¿Tienen patatas fritas picantes?Do you have spicy fries?
- Vamos a pedir un par de papas calientes.Let's order a couple of hot fries.
- Aquí hacen unas papas fritas bien calientes.They make really hot fries here.
- ¿Quieres probar mis papas fritas picantes?Do you want to try my hot fries?
- Estas papas fritas picantes están muy buenas.These hot fries are very good.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are ordering food at a restaurant.
- SofíaJavier, ¿quieres probar las papas fritas picantes?Javier, do you want to try the hot fries?
- JavierSí, me encantan las papas fritas picantes.Yes, I love hot fries.
- SofíaPerfecto, voy a pedir una porción grande.Perfect, I am going to order a large portion.
- JavierGracias, Sofía, suena muy bien.Thanks, Sofía, that sounds great.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
