petite patate
The English phrase "little potato" is translated into French as petite patate.
The phrase is used to refer to a small potato vegetable.
Which one should you use?
You might use Pomme de terre miniature to specifically mean a miniature potato. Additionally, you may encounter the shortened version P'tite patate, which serves as a playful way to say the phrase.
Did you know?
- The word patate is often used in French slang to describe a 'slap' or a 'hit', such as 'une patate dans la figure'.
- In some French slang, avoir la patate means to be full of energy or enthusiasm, rather than referring to the vegetable itself.
- The word patate actually traces its ancestry back to the Caribbean, specifically to the Taíno word batata for sweet potato.
Examples in context
- Ces petites pommes de terre sont délicieusesThese little potatoes are delicious
- Ne sois pas triste, ma p'tite patateDon't be sad, my little potato
- Je veux cette petite patate.I want this little potato.
- Elle mange une petite patate.She is eating a little potato.
- C'est une petite patate douce.It is a little sweet potato.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are cooking in the kitchen.
- EmmaLucas, cherche une petite patate pour moi.Lucas, find a little potato for me.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux cette petite patate ?Do you want this little potato?
- EmmaOui, merci beaucoup.Yes, thank you very much.
- LucasDe rien, Emma.You're welcome, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries patate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
