Vorrei un caffè
The English phrase "I would like a coffee" is translated into Italian as Vorrei un caffè.
Vorrei un caffè is a polite way to order a coffee in a cafe or restaurant. If you want to be even more polite, you can add per favore to the end of the phrase: Vorrei un caffè, per favore.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vorrei is the conditional form of the verb volere (to want), which makes the request polite rather than demanding. The part un caffè means "a coffee".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the indefinite article un because you are ordering a single, unspecified coffee.
When do people say it?
In Italy, if you say un caffè without specifying the type, you will almost always be served a single shot of espresso. Note that it is considered odd to order a cappuccino in the afternoon or after a meal.
Did you know?
- The word caffè entered the Italian language via Ottoman Turkish kahve, which originally came from the Arabic word qahwa.
- If you want to drink your coffee while standing at the bar like a local, it is often much cheaper than sitting at a table.
- If you want a coffee with a small amount of frothed milk, you would ask for un caffè macchiato, meaning 'stained coffee'.
Examples in context
- Vorrei un caffè, per favore.I would like a coffee, please.
- Potrei avere un caffè, per cortesia?May I have a coffee, please?
- Mi fai un caffè?Can you make me a coffee?
- Vorrei un caffè e un cornetto.I would like a coffee and a croissant.
- Scusi, vorrei un caffè macchiato.Excuse me, I would like a macchiato coffee.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are at an Italian coffee bar.
- SofiaCiao Matteo, cosa prendi?Hi Matteo, what are you having?
- MatteoNon lo so, forse un tè.I don't know, maybe a tea.
- SofiaIo invece vorrei un caffè.I, on the other hand, would like a coffee.
- MatteoOttima idea, prendo anche io quello.Great idea, I'll have that too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caffè, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
