What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase me gustan las papas fritas translates to "the fried potatoes please me".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most of Latin America, papas fritas is the standard term for french fries and you might also hear Me fascinan las papas fritas to mean "I am fascinated by French fries." In Spain, the term patatas fritas is often used instead and you can say Me gusta(n) las patatas fritas to express your liking for them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb gustar is used in its plural form gustan because the object being liked, las papas fritas, is plural. If you were referring to a single french fry, the verb would change to the singular form gusta, as in me gusta la papa frita.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡustan las papas fɾitas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use yo gusto (I please) instead of me gustan (they please me) when expressing likes.
Did you know?
- While papas fritas refers to the fries, the word papa comes from the Quechua language of the Inca Empire rather than from Latin.
- While 'papas' is common in the Americas, in Spain, you must use patatas to avoid sounding like you are talking about something else entirely. In certain contexts, the word papa can refer to the Pope.
- In Spain, if you order patatas fritas at a tapas bar, you might receive potato cubes fried in olive oil rather than the long thin strips common in the US.
Examples in context
- En este restaurante me gustan las papas fritas.I like the french fries in this restaurant.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are deciding what to order at a fast food restaurant.
- Alejandro¿Quieres una ensalada, María?Do you want a salad, María?
- MaríaNo, a mí me gustan las papas fritas.No, I like french fries.
- AlejandroEstá bien, yo pediré una hamburguesa.Okay, I will order a burger.
- MaríaPerfecto, compartiremos la comida.Perfect, we will share the food.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
