Inklingo

How to Say "potato" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “potato” is “papa” — use 'papa' when referring to the edible tuber in most Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America. It's the most common and general term.

English → Spanish

papa

PAH-pahˈpa.pa

nounA1general
Use 'papa' when referring to the edible tuber in most Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America. It's the most common and general term.
A single, brown, oval potato tuber resting on a surface.

Examples

¿Quieres papas fritas con tu hamburguesa?

Do you want french fries (fried potatoes) with your hamburger?

La papa andina es muy nutritiva.

The Andean potato is very nutritious.

Gender is Key

As a feminine noun (la papa), it refers exclusively to the vegetable or a mushy food consistency. Changing the article to 'el' changes the meaning completely!

Confusing Regional Use

Mistake: “Using 'papa' in Spain when referring to the vegetable.”

Correction: In Spain, 'patata' is the standard word for the vegetable. 'Papa' is standard throughout most of Latin America.

patata

pah-TAH-tahpaˈtata

nounA1general
Use 'patata' when referring to the edible vegetable specifically in Spain. While understood elsewhere, it is regional.
A single brown potato with a few small eyes on a clean white surface.

Examples

Quiero una patata asada para cenar.

I want a baked potato for dinner.

Las patatas fritas de este restaurante son las mejores.

The French fries at this restaurant are the best.

Tienes que pelar las patatas antes de ponerlas en la olla.

You have to peel the potatoes before putting them in the pot.

Always Feminine

The word 'patata' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if you are talking about a big or small potato.

Easy Plurals

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to make it 'patatas'.

The 'Papa' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'el patata' or 'el papa'.”

Correction: Say 'la patata' (in Spain) or 'la papa' (in Latin America). Using 'el papa' actually means 'the Pope'!

Choosing Between Papa and Patata

The most common mistake is using 'patata' outside of Spain, where it might sound unnatural or be less understood than 'papa'. Always default to 'papa' unless you know you are speaking with someone from Spain or specifically referencing Spanish cuisine where 'patata' is common.

Related Translations

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