コーヒーはいかがですか？
kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?
The English phrase "do you want coffee?" is translated into Japanese as コーヒーはいかがですか？ (kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?)
This phrase is used to make a polite offer to provide someone with a cup of coffee.
What does it mean word for word?
The word いかが (ikaga) literally means "how" in a polite sense.
Which one should you use?
コーヒーはいかがですか？ is a polite and standard way to offer coffee. In contrast, if you are among friends, you can use the much more casual version コーヒー飲む? to ask "Want coffee?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
コーヒーはいかがですか? is a polite form.
How do you pronounce it?
kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?
When do people say it?
If someone offers you coffee using this phrase, a natural and polite way to accept the offer is to say はい、お願いします。 If you wish to decline the offer, a natural and polite way to say "No, thank you" is いいえ、結構です。
Did you know?
- In Japan, the word コーヒー (kōhī) is a loanword from the Dutch 'koffie' rather than the English 'coffee'. This reflects the historical period when the Dutch were the only Westerners allowed to trade with Japan.
- When offered coffee in a business setting, a Japanese person might initially decline using 結構です (kekkou desu) as a sign of modesty, even if they actually want it. The host may then offer a second time to ensure the guest is truly satisfied.
- In many Japanese business settings, offering coffee is often a subtle way to signal that a meeting is transitioning to a more relaxed or informal phase. It acts as a social lubricant to break the tension of formal negotiations.
Examples in context
- コーヒーはいかがですか？kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like some coffee?
- 休憩に、コーヒーはいかがですか？kyūkei ni, kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like some coffee during the break?
- 温かいコーヒーはいかがですか？atatakai kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like some hot coffee?
Example conversation
Misaki offers Kenta a drink in the office.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、コーヒーはいかがですか？Kenta-san, kōhī wa ikaga desu ka?Kenta, would you like some coffee?
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。いただきます。Arigatō gozaimasu. Itadakimasu.Thank you. I will have some.
- 美咲 Misaki砂糖は入れますか？Satō wa iremasu ka?Do you want sugar in it?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、ブラックでお願いします。Iie, burakku de onegaishimasu.No, black is fine, please.
