un café, por favor
/un kaˈfe poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
The English phrase 'can I have a coffee, please?' is translated into Spanish as un café, por favor.
This phrase is a polite way to order a coffee in a cafe or restaurant. While the English expression is phrased as a question, the Spanish equivalent is typically used as a direct noun phrase to make the request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'a coffee, please'. The word un is the masculine indefinite article, which is used because café is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/un kaˈfe poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- The word café has a history that stretches back to the Arabic word qahwa, which originally referred to a type of wine before the beverage became widely known in the Middle East.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to order un café and then have the server bring a small glass of water on the side to cleanse the palate.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, un café con leche is strictly a breakfast item. Ordering it in the afternoon may be seen as an unusual choice, as it is traditionally reserved for the start of the day.
Examples in context
- Quisiera un café, por favor.I would like a coffee, please.
- ¿Me trae un café, por favor?Will you bring me a coffee, please?
- Quiero un café, por favor.I want a coffee, please.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are sitting in a small cafe.
- JavierHola, Elena. ¿Quieres algo de beber?Hello, Elena. Do you want something to drink?
- ElenaSí, un café, por favor.Yes, a coffee, please.
- JavierMuy bien. Yo pediré un té.Very well. I will order a tea.
- ElenaPerfecto, Javier. Gracias.Perfect, Javier. Thanks.
