tostones
/tostones/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English phrase patacones is translated as tostones.
Both patacones and tostones refer to the same dish consisting of fried slices of green plantain that have been flattened and then fried a second time.
Which one should you use?
While the dish is identical, the choice of word depends on the region where you are located.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Patacones is the term primarily used in Colombia, Panama and Ecuador. Tostones is the term primarily used in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other parts of the Caribbean.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of patacones is patacón.
How do you pronounce it?
/tostones/
Did you know?
- While most people use the word to describe the food, in some contexts a patacón can refer to a large, heavy coin. This is because the word can also describe something thick or bulky.
- The process of flattening the plantain to create patacones is traditionally done with a tostonera, a specialized wooden press. In a pinch, locals often use the bottom of a heavy plate or a skillet.
- In some Caribbean regions, if you ask for tostones, you might receive something entirely different from a fried plantain if the cook interprets the word from the verb tostar, which means 'to toast'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta mucho comer tostones.I really like eating tostones.
- Los tostones son mi comida favorita.Tostones are my favorite food.
- Quiero comer tostones con este pescado.I want to eat tostones with this fish.
- ¿Te gustan los tostones con sal?Do you like tostones with salt?
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are having lunch at a tropical restaurant.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿pedimos unos tostones para compartir?Alejandro, should we order some tostones to share?
- AlejandroSí, me encantan los tostones de este lugar.Yes, I love the tostones from this place.
- ElenaPerfecto, pediré una orden ahora mismo.Perfect, I will order one right now.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena, tengo mucha hambre.Thanks, Elena, I am very hungry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
