káva
[ˈkaːva]feminine
The English word coffee is káva in Czech.
káva refers to the beverage itself. You may also encounter related terms such as Kávové zrno for coffee bean, Espresso for espresso or Káva s mlékem for coffee with milk.
Meaning: beverage (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use kávy for the genitive case, which is required after expressing quantities or when saying there is 'some' or 'no' coffee. Use kávu for the accusative case when the coffee is the direct object of a verb, such as when saying you are drinking it.
Did you know?
- The word káva is a direct linguistic relative of the Arabic word qahwa, which originally referred to a type of wine before being applied to coffee.
- In Czech culture, the phrase na kávu is often used as a social invitation that does not necessarily require drinking coffee, similar to 'grabbing a drink'.
- Historically, Czech 'coffee houses' were centers of political debate and intellectual gathering, deeply influencing the urban culture of Prague.
Examples in context
- Káva ti dodá energii!Coffee gives you energy!This sentence shows how káva can be used to talk about energy.Tatoeba #11089651 by aldar, translation #817923 by Cindrogriza
- Ta káva je příliš silná.The coffee is too strong.This sentence demonstrates how to describe the strength of káva.Tatoeba #12535162 by aldar, translation #7668040 by Hybrid
- Tato káva je příliš hořká.This coffee is too bitter.This sentence shows how to describe the bitterness of káva.Tatoeba #7972545 by aldar, translation #61138 by CK
- Dám si jednu kávu, prosím.I'll have one coffee, please.
- Mohu dostat kávu?Can I get some coffee, please?
- Chceš kávu?Do you want some coffee?
- Mám tu skvělou kávu, chceš ochutnat?I have some great coffee here, do you want to taste it?
- Dám si kávu s mlékem, prosím.I'll have coffee with milk, please.
- Rád/a mám silnou kávu.I like strong coffee.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tereza and Tomáš are meeting at a cafe.
- TerezaChceš jít na kávu?Do you want to go for a coffee?
- TomášAno, rád půjdu.Yes, I would love to.
- TerezaMoje oblíbená káva je cappuccino.My favorite coffee is cappuccino.
- TomášJá preferuji espresso.I prefer espresso.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coffee” translations and entries káva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries káva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
