caffè americano
/kafˈfɛ a.me.riˈka.no/word by word
The English phrase 'drip coffee' in Italian is caffè americano.
In Italy, requesting a caffè generally means you will receive a concentrated espresso shot. If you want a long, diluted coffee similar to American drip coffee, you should ask for a caffè americano.
Which one should you use?
A standard caffè refers to a concentrated espresso shot, whereas caffè americano is the standard way to refer to coffee made with hot water poured over grounds or a diluted espresso.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might try to translate 'drip coffee' literally as caffè a goccia, but this is not a standard term in Italian. Instead, use caffè americano or caffè filtro.
When do people say it?
Because Italian coffee culture is centered around the espresso machine, ordering caffè americano is the most common way to request a long, diluted coffee similar to American drip coffee. You can use the phrase Scusi, vorrei un caffè filtrato, per favore as a formal way to order a drip coffee.
Did you know?
- The term caffè americano originally refers to a way to make coffee during World War II, when American soldiers diluted local espresso with hot water to mimic the taste of home.
- The word caffè shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the Arabic word qahwa, which originally referred to a type of wine.
- If you order caffè americano in a traditional Italian bar, you might be met with a look of confusion, as many locals consider it an 'unnatural' way to consume coffee.
Examples in context
- Vorrei un caffè americano, per favore.I would like a drip coffee, please.
- Prendo un caffè americano senza zucchero.I'll have a drip coffee without sugar.
- È meglio un caffè americano o un espresso?Is a drip coffee or an espresso better?
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are ordering at a cafe.
- GiuliaCosa prendi, Francesco?What are you having, Francesco?
- FrancescoPrendo un caffè americano.I'll have a drip coffee.
- GiuliaAllora io prendo un cappuccino.Then I'll have a cappuccino.
- FrancescoPerfetto, andiamo al tavolo.Perfect, let's go to the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caffè americano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (caffè, americano) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries americano, caffè, CC BY-SA 4.0.
