σκέτος καφές
sketos kafes/ˈsce.tos kaˈfes/word by word
In Greek, black coffee is σκέτος καφές (sketos kafes).
σκέτος καφές refers to coffee served without any milk or cream. The adjective σκέτος can be used for other food or drinks to indicate they are served plain or without extra ingredients.
What does it mean word for word?
The word σκέτος literally means 'alone', 'bare' or 'naked', which implies that the coffee is served without any additions like milk or sugar.
Which one should you use?
While σκέτος καφές refers to black coffee, καφές με γάλα is the standard way to specify coffee with milk.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the first syllable of the three-syllable word σκέτος.
Did you know?
- The word σκέτος is a loanword from the Italian schietto, which describes something pure or frank.
- In Greece, ordering σκέτος καφές often implies a preference for the traditional Greek coffee, which is brewed in a briki and served with its foam.
- Depending on the region, a Greek speaker might use μαύρος καφές for 'black coffee', but σκέτος remains the most common way to describe the absence of additives.
Examples in context
- Του αρέσει ο σκέτος καφές.He likes black coffee.This sentence is useful for learning how to express someone's preference for the form σκέτος καφές.Tatoeba #3437348 by glavkos, translation #9236370 by Nylez
- Θα ήθελα έναν μαύρο καφέ, παρακαλώ.I would like a black coffee, please.
- Ένας σκέτος καφές, παρακαλώ.Enas sketos kafes, parakalo.A black coffee, please.
Example conversation
Two friends are at a cafe.
- Κώστας KostasΤι θα ordering, Κυριακή;Ti tha parangeis, Kyriaki?What will you order, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλω έναν σκέτο καφέ.Thelo enan sketo kafe.I want a black coffee.
- Κώστας KostasΧωρίς ζάχαρη επίσης;Choris zachari episis?Without sugar as well?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, ο σκέτος καφές είναι καλύτερος.Nai, o sketos kafes einai kaliteros.Yes, black coffee is better.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (σκέτος, καφές) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καφές, σκέτος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
