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papas

PAH-pahsˈpa.pas

potato

NounfA1
SpainMexico, Peru, Argentina, Colombia
A single, whole, raw brown potato resting on a light surface.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos tres papas grandes para hacer el puré.

A1

We need three large potatoes to make the mash.

Las papas andinas tienen muchos colores diferentes.

B1

Andean potatoes come in many different colors.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • patatas (potatoes (Spain))
  • tubérculo (tuber)

Common Collocations

  • papas hervidas – boiled potatoes
  • papas al horno – baked potatoes

French fries, chips

Also: potato chips
NounfA1neutral/informal
SpainMexico
A small pile of golden, crispy French fries served in a simple red container.

📝 In Action

¿Me pones unas papas con el sándwich, por favor?

A1

Could you give me some fries with the sandwich, please?

No comas tantas papas de bolsa, no son saludables.

A2

Don't eat so many potato chips (crisps), they aren't healthy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • patatas fritas (French fries (Spain))
  • fritas (fries (short form))

Common Collocations

  • papas fritas – French fries
  • papas a la francesa – French fries

parents

NounfB1informal
General
A smiling adult woman and an adult man standing side-by-side, holding hands, representing parents.

📝 In Action

Tengo que ir a visitar a mis papas este fin de semana.

A2

I have to go visit my parents this weekend.

Mis papas me regalaron un coche nuevo.

B1

My mom and dad (parents) gave me a new car.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • padres (parents (neutral/formal))
  • mamá y papá (Mom and Dad)

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "papas" in Spanish:

french fries→parents→potato chips→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: papas

Question 1 of 2

Which of these sentences uses 'papas' to mean 'parents'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
papa(potato (singular)) — Noun
papá(dad) — Noun
patata(potato (Spain)) — Noun
padres(parents) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'papa' (singular) for the root vegetable comes from the indigenous Quechua word 'papa' used in the Andes region of South America. It was adopted by Spanish explorers and spread globally, though in Spain, the word 'patata' (a blend of 'papa' and 'batata' meaning sweet potato) became more common. The meaning 'parents' is simply the plural of 'papá' (dad).

First recorded: 16th century (in Spanish texts, referring to the New World crop)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: patataFrench: pomme de terre

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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.