quiero papas fritas
/kjeɾo papas fɾitas/from spelling rules
To say "I want chips" in Spanish, use quiero papas fritas.
This phrase is used to express a desire for deep-fried potato strips.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), papas (potatoes) and fritas (fried).
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, papas fritas can refer to both deep-fried potato strips (french fries) and thin potato crisps (chips) depending on context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, patatas is commonly used instead of papas for chips. In Spain, patatas fritas is used instead of papas fritas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb quiero is the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want).
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo papas fɾitas/
Did you know?
- The word papa is a loanword from the Quechua language of the Inca Empire. It was adopted into Spanish because the indigenous people of the Andes had many specific words for different potato varieties.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using quiero to order food can sound overly blunt or demanding to a waiter. It is more common to use the conditional quisiera, which translates to 'I would like'.
- In Spain, patatas fritas are often served as a 'tapa' or a free appetizer with drinks. In this context, you don't actually need to say quiero patatas fritas because they may arrive at the table unprompted.
Examples in context
- Quisiera papas fritas, por favor.I would like some potato chips, please.
- ¿Podría conseguirme unas papas?Could you get me some chips?
- Quiero papas, por favor.I want some chips, please.
- ¿Puedes traerme unas papas?Can you bring me some chips?
- Quiero papas fritas, por favor.I want chips, please.
- Quiero papas fritas con la hamburguesa.I want chips with the hamburger.
- No quiero ensalada, quiero papas fritas.I don't want salad, I want chips.
- Mamá, quiero papas fritas para la cena.Mom, I want chips for dinner.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- Daniel¿Qué vas a pedir, Elena?What are you going to order, Elena?
- ElenaYo quiero la pasta, ¿y tú?I want the pasta, and you?
- DanielYo quiero papas fritas y un refresco.I want chips and a soda.
- ElenaPerfecto, Daniel, parece una buena elección.Perfect, Daniel, it sounds like a good choice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
