un caffè, per favore
/un kafˈfɛ per faˈvo.re/word by word
The English phrase "coffee, please" is un caffè, per favore in Italian.
The phrase un caffè, per favore is the standard way to order a coffee at a bar or cafe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (a), caffè (coffee) and per favore (please).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say "I would like", you can use vorrei, which is the conditional form of the verb volere.
How do you pronounce it?
/un kafˈfɛ per faˈvo.re/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Italy, ordering un caffè typically implies a single shot of espresso rather than a large cup of filtered coffee.
Did you know?
- While un caffè is the standard order, if you ask for un cappuccino after 11:00 AM, you might receive a puzzled look from the barista. In Italy, milk-based coffees are strictly considered breakfast drinks.
- If you order un caffè and want to drink it standing up at the bar, it is often cheaper than sitting at a table. This 'standing' culture is a fundamental part of the Italian social ritual.
- The word caffè shares an ancient ancestor with the Arabic word qahwa, which originally referred to a type of wine. This reflects the long history of the bean's journey from the Middle East to Europe.
Examples in context
- Vorrei un caffè, per favore.I would like a coffee, please.
- Mi scusi, potrei avere un caffè, per cortesia?Excuse me, could I have a coffee, please?
- Un caffè, per favore.A coffee, please.
- Fammi un caffè, per favore.Make me a coffee, please.
- Prendo un caffè, per favore.I'll have a coffee, please.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are at an Italian cafe.
- MatteoBuongiorno! Cosa desidera?Good morning! What would you like?
- SofiaUn caffè, per favore.A coffee, please.
- MatteoCertamente. E per lei, Matteo?Certainly. And for you, Matteo?
- SofiaAnche per me un caffè, per favore.A coffee for me too, please.
