chips
/ʃips/
The English phrase "potato chips" is translated into French as chips.
The term chips is used to describe thin slices of potato that have been deep-fried or baked until crunchy.
Which one should you use?
In French, chips refers to potato chips, whereas frites refers to French fries.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃips/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using the word chips to mean "French fries" in French, as it will be understood as the crunchy snack.
Did you know?
- While chips is the standard word today, some older French speakers or formal menus may use croustilles, especially in Quebec.
- In France, it is common to serve chips as an appetizer during an 'apéritif', a pre-dinner drink and snack ritual.
- In many French supermarkets, you will find chips labeled by flavor, but they often use 'nature' to describe the original, salted version.
Examples in context
- Où sont mes chips ?Where are my potato chips?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of your chips.Tatoeba #6916901 by Micsmithel, translation #6703987 by Micsmithel
- Tom mange des chips.Tom is eating potato chips.This sentence is useful for describing someone eating chips.Tatoeba #6821231 by Rockaround, translation #6664272 by CK
- J'ai mangé des chips.I ate some potato chips.This sentence is useful for stating that you ate some chips.Tatoeba #1082058 by nimfeo, translation #2609654 by WestofEden
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are watching a movie at home.
- EmmaTu veux des chips, Lucas ?Do you want some chips, Lucas?
- LucasOui, s'il te plaît.Yes, please.
- EmmaTiens, j'ai ouvert le paquet.Here, I opened the bag.
- LucasMerci Emma, elles ont l'air bonnes.Thanks Emma, they look good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chips, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
