patatina
The English phrase "little potato" translates to Italian as patatina.
In many contexts, patatina is the standard way to refer to a single french fry.
Which one should you use?
The plural form patatine is commonly used to refer to potato chips (crisps).
Did you know?
- In Italian, the term patatina is an example of how a food item can transition into a term of endearment. Calling a child patatina is a way to describe them as 'sweet' or 'precious' rather than describing their size.
- The word patatina utilizes the -ina suffix, which is so versatile in Italian that it can transform a neutral noun into something 'cute' regardless of the object's actual size.
- In many parts of Italy, if you want to order actual french fries, you should ask for 'le patate fritte' instead of using the word 'patatine'.
Examples in context
- Vorrei una patata piccola come contorno, per favore.I would like a little potato as a side dish, please.
- Questa patatina è molto croccante.This little potato is very crunchy.
Example conversation
A casual snack bar during the afternoon.
- MartinaAlessandro, prova questa patatina.Alessandro, try this little potato.
- AlessandroGrazie, Martina, è davvero buona!Thanks, Martina, it is really good!
- MartinaNe vuoi un'altra?Do you want another one?
- AlessandroSì, grazie mille.Yes, thanks a lot.
