patatas
/patatas/from spelling rules
The English word potatoes is patatas in Spanish.
The term refers to starchy root vegetables grown in the ground and eaten as food. Note that the specific term papas fritas is commonly used to refer to French fries.
Which one should you use?
In Spain, the word for potatoes is patatas. However, in most of Latin America, the word papas is used instead of patatas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, use patatas. In many Latin American countries, such as Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, the term papa is used to refer to potatoes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is patata.
How do you pronounce it?
/patatas/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the expression no tener ni una papa is used to describe someone who has absolutely no idea about a particular subject.
- The word papas is also the plural of papa, which can mean 'Pope' in a religious context, though the spelling and pronunciation are often distinguished by context.
- While Spaniards say patatas, most of the Americas use the word papas, which is a direct phonetic evolution of the indigenous Quechua word papa.
Examples in context
- Las patatas están sosas.The potatoes are bland.This sentence is useful for describing the taste of patatas.Tatoeba #7739273 by arh, translation #9662928 by DJ_Saidez
- No sé nada sobre patatas.I don't know anything about potatoes.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of knowledge about patatas.Tatoeba #1706636 by teskmon, translation #1588743 by CM
- Las patatas son muy baratas.Potatoes are very cheap.This sentence is useful for discussing the price of patatas.Tatoeba #2099256 by Shishir, translation #862341 by edelyn90
- Me gustaría una ración de papasI would like a serving of potatoes
- ¿Cuál es tu receta favorita con patatas?What is your favorite recipe with potatoes?
- Vamos a hacer papas fritasLet's make french fries
- Me encantan las papas fritasI love french fries
- ¿Quieres unas patatas asadas?Do you want some roasted potatoes?
- ¿Podríamos preparar una ensalada con papa?Could we make a potato salad?
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A kitchen while preparing lunch.
- MaríaJavier, ¿compraste las patatas para la cena?Javier, did you buy the potatoes for dinner?
- JavierSí, María, las tengo en la cesta.Yes, María, I have them in the basket.
- MaríaPerfecto, voy a pelar las patatas ahora.Perfect, I am going to peel the potatoes now.
- JavierYo te ayudo con la cocina.I will help you with the cooking.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
