papas
/PAH-pahs/
potato
Papas can mean 'potato', referring to the raw root vegetable.
📝 In Action
Necesitamos tres papas grandes para hacer el puré.
A1We need three large potatoes to make the mash.
Las papas andinas tienen muchos colores diferentes.
B1Andean potatoes come in many different colors.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Even when referring to a quantity, 'papas' is a plural feminine noun. To refer to a single one, use 'una papa'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Know Your Region
If you are in Spain, use 'patatas' for the root vegetable. If you are anywhere in the Americas (except sometimes the Caribbean), use 'papas'.
Papas can also mean 'French fries', referring to fried potato strips.
papas(noun)
French fries
?Fried potato strips
,chips
?UK English: Fried potato strips
potato chips
?Thin, bagged crisps (in some regions like Mexico, Colombia)
📝 In Action
¿Me pones unas papas con el sándwich, por favor?
A1Could you give me some fries with the sandwich, please?
No comas tantas papas de bolsa, no son saludables.
A2Don't eat so many potato chips (crisps), they aren't healthy.
💡 Grammar Points
Shortening Phrases
Often, Spanish speakers shorten common food phrases. 'Papas' here is a quick way to say 'papas fritas' (fried potatoes).
⭐ Usage Tips
Crisps vs. Fries
In many parts of Latin America, 'papas' or 'papitas' can mean bagged potato chips (crisps). Use context to figure out if they mean thick fries or thin chips.
Informally, papas can mean 'parents' (Mom and Dad).
📝 In Action
Tengo que ir a visitar a mis papas este fin de semana.
A2I have to go visit my parents this weekend.
Mis papas me regalaron un coche nuevo.
B1My mom and dad (parents) gave me a new car.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Group Nouns
Even though 'papas' refers to both mother and father, the word itself is plural feminine, but it functions as a common way to refer to the male/female pair (just like 'padres' is masculine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Formal Situations
Mistake: "Using 'mis papas' in a formal meeting or written essay."
Correction: Use 'mis padres' instead. 'Papas' is reserved for casual conversation.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Friendly Shortcut
Think of 'papas' here as a friendly, familiar way to refer to your mom and dad, used especially among friends and family.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: papas
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'papas' to mean 'parents'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'papas' and 'patatas'?
'Papas' is the standard word for the potato (the vegetable) across nearly all of Latin America. 'Patatas' is the standard word for the potato in Spain and the Canary Islands. Both words are used globally to mean 'French fries' (as 'papas fritas' or 'patatas fritas').
Is 'papas' (parents) considered rude or too informal?
No, it is not rude, but it is very informal. It is common and acceptable when speaking casually with friends or family, but you should use 'padres' in formal writing or professional settings.