papa
standard, Chile
In Chile "potato" is papa, not patata, which is the word used in Spain. It is also called papas fritas and puré de papas.
Meaning: starchy vegetable (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| papa | standard, Chile |
| papas fritas | fried |
| puré de papas | mashed |
Common phrases are papas fritas for french fries, papas cocidas for boiled potatoes and puré de papas for mashed potatoes.
Which one should you use?
Spaniards say patata. Chileans use papa and may find patata a bit foreign.
How does it change in a sentence?
Papa is feminine. The plural is papas.
When do people say it?
The potato comes from the Andes and from the island of Chiloé in southern Chile, where hundreds of native varieties are still grown.
Did you know?
- Chiloé in southern Chile is known for its many native potato varieties.
Examples in context
- Me gustan las papas fritas.I like french fries.
- Compré un kilo de papas.I bought a kilo of potatoes.
- Hice puré de papas para la cena.I made mashed potatoes for dinner.
Example conversation
Carolina and her mother Gloria prepare dinner at home in Temuco.
- GloriaCarolina, ¿puedes pelar las papas?Carolina, can you peel the potatoes?
- CarolinaSí, mamá. ¿Cuántas?Yes, mom. How many?
- GloriaUnas seis, vamos a hacer puré.About six, we are making mashed potatoes.
- CarolinaListo, ya las parto.Okay, I will start cutting them.
