batatas
/batatas/from spelling rules
The English word 'yams' is translated into Spanish as batatas.
This term refers to starchy root vegetables that are often orange or white and used in cooking.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use 'yams' to refer to sweet potatoes, in Spanish, batatas specifically refers to the sweet potato.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the word camotes is frequently used instead of batatas to refer to sweet potatoes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is batata.
How do you pronounce it?
/batatas/
Did you know?
- While batata and camote both mean sweet potato, the latter is used in some regions as a slang term to describe someone who is slow or stubborn.
- In the Caribbean, batata is not just a vegetable but often a symbol of rural life and tradition, appearing in folk songs and poetry to evoke the countryside.
- Spanish speakers distinguish between batata (sweet potato) and ñame (true yam), whereas English speakers often use 'yam' for both.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría ordenar batata asada, por favorI would like to order roasted yams, please.
- Vamos a preparar unos ricos camotes al hornoLet's make some delicious baked yams.
- La mejor forma de comer boniato es haciendo puréThe best way to eat yams is by making them into a mash.
- Compré algunas batatas en el mercado.I bought some yams at the market.
- Las batatas asadas son muy ricas.Roasted yams are very delicious.
- Necesito cocinar las batatas para la cena.I need to cook the yams for dinner.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are in the kitchen planning a meal.
- Sofía¿Quieres comer batatas hoy, Javier?Do you want to eat yams today, Javier?
- JavierSí, me encantan las batatas.Yes, I love yams.
- SofíaPerfecto, las prepararé en el horno.Perfect, I will prepare them in the oven.
- JavierGracias, Sofía, eres muy amable.Thanks, Sofia, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
