patatas fritas
/patatas fɾitas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "potato chips" is translated into Spanish as patatas fritas.
The phrase refers to thin slices of potato that have been fried or baked until crunchy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of patatas (potatoes) and fritas (fried).
Which one should you use?
In Spain, patatas fritas can refer to both potato chips and French fries, depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most of Latin America, the word papas is used instead of patatas.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the phrase is typically used in the plural, it can be singularized to patata frita when referring to a single chip.
How do you pronounce it?
/patatas fɾitas/
Did you know?
- To avoid confusion in Spain, many people use the term chips (pronounced with a Spanish accent) specifically for the thin, bagged snack.
- In some regions, particularly in the Southern Cone, you might hear papitas used instead of papas fritas when referring to the snack version of the potato.
- In some Latin American countries, like Mexico, you may hear the term botana to refer to the category of salty snacks that includes potato chips.
Examples in context
- Tom ofreció patatas fritas a Mary y John.Tom offered Mary and John some potato chips.This sentence shows how to use patatas fritas when offering them to others.Tatoeba #5799431 by arh, translation #2892352 by CK
- Me encantan las papas fritas crujientesI love crispy potato chips
- Me encantan las patatas fritas con sal.I love potato chips with salt.
- ¿Quieres comer unas patatas fritas?Do you want to eat some potato chips?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are watching a movie at home.
- Javier¿Tienes hambre, Elena?Are you hungry, Elena?
- ElenaSí, tengo un poco de hambre.Yes, I am a little hungry.
- JavierVoy a buscar unas patatas fritas.I am going to look for some potato chips.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, eso suena genial.Thanks, Javier, that sounds great.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
