caffè da asporto
The English phrase "coffee to go" is translated into Italian as caffè da asporto.
caffè da asporto refers to coffee purchased at a shop to be consumed elsewhere. The term da asporto is also used for other food and drink items intended to be taken away, such as pizza da asporto (pizza to go). When ordering, you may encounter size descriptors such as medio for medium and grande for large.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase da asporto literally means for carrying away or for transport.
Which one should you use?
There is a strong cultural distinction in Italy between caffè da asporto and caffè al banco, which refers to coffee meant to be consumed standing at the bar/counter.
Did you know?
- The word caffè has a history tied to the Arabic word qahwa, which originally referred to a type of wine before becoming synonymous with coffee.
- In Italy, the price of a caffè can sometimes change depending on whether it is consumed al banco or al tavolo (at a table), though da asporto usually follows the counter price.
- While da asporto is the standard term, you might see take away written on signs in Italian cities, as the English phrase has become a trendy loanword in urban cafes.
Examples in context
- Posso avere un caffè da asporto, per cortesia?Can I have a coffee to take away, please?
- Un caffè da asporto, per piacere.A coffee to take away, please.
- Prendo un caffè da asporto, per favore.I'll have a coffee to go, please.
- Vuoi un caffè da asporto o lo bevi qui?Do you want a coffee to go or will you drink it here?
- Posso avere un caffè da asporto?Can I have a coffee to go?
Example conversation
At a small Italian bar during a busy morning.
- SofiaBuongiorno, vorrei un caffè da asporto.Good morning, I would like a coffee to go.
- FrancescoCertamente, lo preferisce macchiato o normale?Certainly, do you prefer it with milk or plain?
- SofiaNormale, grazie. Devo correre al lavoro.Plain, thank you. I have to rush to work.
- FrancescoEcco il suo caffè, buona giornata!Here is your coffee, have a good day!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caffè, da, CC BY-SA 4.0.
