Difference between `chips/crisps` and `fries?

[Manuel]

My dictionary gives `patatas fritas` for both?! So how do I tell the difference?

[Rusty]

For french fries, say 'chips' in the UK. In the United States, say 'fries'.

For potato chips, say 'crisps' in the UK and 'chips' in the US.

In Spanish, papitas fritas are potato chips and patatas fritas are french fries (with some regional differences).