kahvi
/ˈkɑhʋi/
kahvi is the Finnish word for coffee.
kahvi refers to the beverage known as coffee.
Meaning: beverage (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on how it is used in a sentence. Use the partitive form kahvia when referring to coffee as an uncountable substance, such as when saying you are drinking it. The elative case kahvista is required when using the verb pitää (to like) to express a preference for coffee. To indicate possession or to form compound words, use the genitive form kahvin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɑhʋi/
When do people say it?
In Finland, it is customary to offer guests a cup of coffee as a sign of hospitality.
Did you know?
- The word kahvi shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the Arabic word 'qahwa', which originally referred to a type of wine or a stimulant.
- Finland consumes more coffee per capita than any other country in the world, often drinking several cups a day.
- The word kahvipöytä literally means 'coffee table' but refers specifically to the spread of treats served with the beverage.
Examples in context
- Hän ei juo kahvia.She doesn't drink coffee.Tatoeba #3747772 by mazaahk, translation #1724515 by CH
- Minä en juo kahvia.I do not drink coffee.Tatoeba #7855321 by Thanuir, translation #436515 by lukaszpp
- Hän ei pidä kahvista.He doesn't like coffee.This sentence is useful for seeing how the verb 'to like' requires the form kahvista.Tatoeba #2145651 by Orava, translation #289812 by CK
- Voisinko tilata kahvia, kiitos?Could I order some coffee, please?
- Saisinko kupillisen kahvia, kiitos?Could I have a cup of coffee, please?
- Voinko saada kahvia?Can I get some coffee?
- Antaisitko mulle kahvia?Could you give me some coffee?
- suodatinkahviFilter coffee
- maitokahviCoffee with milk
- Hyvää kahvittelua!Enjoy your coffee!
- 300 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matti and Anna are in a kitchen in the morning.
- MattiOnko kahvi valmista?Is the coffee ready?
- AnnaJoo, kahvi on kuumaa.Yes, the coffee is hot.
- MattiKiitos, otan kupin kahvia.Thanks, I'll have a cup of coffee.
- AnnaHaluatko maitoa kahviin?Do you want milk in your coffee?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coffee” translations and entries kahvi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kahvi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
