καφές με γάλα
kafés me gála
The English phrase "coffee with milk" is καφές με γάλα (kafés me gála) in Greek.
καφές με γάλα means a drink made of coffee combined with milk. If you are specifically looking for the popular Greek iced coffee made with instant coffee, you should say φραπέ με γάλα.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of καφές (coffee), με (with) and γάλα (milk).
How does it change in a sentence?
When ordering in a cafe, it is more natural to use the accusative form καφέ με γάλα instead of the nominative καφές με γάλα.
How do you pronounce it?
kafés me gála
Did you know?
- The word γάλα for 'milk' is a direct relative of the English word 'galaxy', as both stem from an ancient root referring to the Milky Way.
- Greek culture has a specific term for the foam on a coffee with milk, called καϊμάκι, which is highly prized and often judged for its thickness.
- While καφές refers to the drink, the word is a loanword from Ottoman Turkish 'kahve', which originally came from the Arabic 'qahwa'.
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are at a cafe.
- Μαρία MariaΚώστα, τι θα πιεις;Kósta, ti tha pieis?Kostas, what will you drink?
- Κώστας KostasΘα θέλω έναν καφές με γάλα.Tha thélo énan kafés me gála.I would like a coffee with milk.
- Μαρία MariaΘα παραγγείλω και για μένα το ίδιο.Tha parangílo kai gia ména to idio.I will order the same for myself.
- Κώστας KostasΤέλεια, ευχαριστώ Μαρία!Télia, efcharistó María!Great, thanks Maria!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γάλα, καφές, με, CC BY-SA 4.0.
