patatas

pah-TAH-taspaˈtatas

“patatas” means “potatoes” in Spanish (The edible tuber vegetable).

potatoes

Also: spuds

NounfA1

SpainMexico, Central America, Andean Countries (e.g., Peru, Colombia)

A simple storybook illustration showing three raw brown potato tubers.

📝 In Action

Pedimos pollo asado con muchas patatas fritas.

We ordered roast chicken with lots of French fries.

Necesito un kilo de patatas para hacer la tortilla española.

I need a kilo of potatoes to make the Spanish omelet.

Las patatas bravas son un aperitivo muy popular en los bares de Madrid.

Spicy potatoes are a very popular appetizer in Madrid bars.

Word Connections

Synonyms

papas (potatoes (Latin American usage))

Common Collocations

patatas fritas – French fries / chips
patatas cocidas – boiled potatoes
puré de patatas – mashed potatoes

Idioms & Expressions

Estar como una patata – To be very tired or exhausted (Spain)

Vocabulary Collections

Vegetables

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "patatas" in Spanish:

potatoes→spuds→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: patatas

Question 1 of 1

If you are ordering food in Lima, Peru, which word is the most natural to use for potatoes?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

patata(potato (singular)) — Noun

patatal(potato field) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

ratasgataslatas

📚 Etymology▼

The word is a mix of two indigenous American words that Spanish explorers encountered. It comes from the Taíno word 'batata' (meaning sweet potato) and the Quechua word 'papa' (meaning potato). The two words merged in Spanish to create 'patata,' which became common in Europe.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: batataFrench: patate

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some Spanish speakers say 'papas' and others say 'patatas'?

This is purely regional. 'Patatas' is the standard word in Spain. 'Papas' is the standard word across most of Latin America, especially in countries where the potato originated, because 'papa' was the original indigenous word.